(L-R): Singer Katy Perry, Coty Inc., CEO Michele Scannavini and Delete Blood Cancer co-founder Katharina Harf at the Seventh Annual Delete Blood Cancer Gala.  (PRNewsFoto/Coty Inc.)

The seventh annual Delete Blood Cancer Gala held on May 1 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City raised a record $3.7 million (breaking all previous years’ records) in support of the fight against leukemia and other blood-related cancers. The money raised jointly by Coty Inc. and Delete Blood Cancer will help register 55,000 new bone marrow donors and help patients worldwide. Over the past 20 years, Delete Blood Cancer DKMS has registered over 3.5 million donors and has facilitated more than 35,000 lifesaving transplants around the world.

During the star-studded event, Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, presented the “Delete Blood Cancer Award” to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, of OPI Products, for her outstanding commitment to the cause. Pop star Katy Perry presented designer Vera Wang with the award, which Wang shared with “Gossip Girl” actress Leighton Meester for their promotion of Delete Blood Cancer’s Share the Love campaign, which encourages people to get swabbed and register as bone marrow donors. TV personality and celebrity designer Nate Berkus co-hosted the gala.

The emotional highlight of the evening occurred when donor recipient 19-year-old Darian Craig learned the identity of her donor: Evander Holyfield Jr., son of the boxing icon, who appeared on stage with his son.

“All of us in the Coty family have been committed to supporting Delete Blood Cancer for the last several years, and each year we deliver infinite support from Coty employees, partners and supporters. It is always wonderful to see the generosity expressed for this cause,” said Michele Scannavini, CEO, Coty Inc., and co-chair of the event.

All proceeds from the event go directly to enrolling lifesaving bone marrow donors and furthering advancements in cancer treatment and care.

More info: www.deletebloodcancer.org