In its third edition, the Aspen Snow Ball has become more than just a one-day event. Spanning more than a week, it’s now being called “Aspen Snow Ball Week,” bringing in A-list Hollywood actors, singers, film industry insiders, sponsors and donors. With the feel of a community around it, film producer Thomas Pierce (whose film The Brutalist recently landed 10 Oscar nominations) and his foundation the Children’s Oncology Support Fund created five days filled with various events for fighting cancer.
“Our events create a space where attendees can bond, celebrate and immerse themselves in the cause, making it feel both meaningful and personal. I think it resonates with people because it’s not just an event; it’s a movement of compassion and hope,” Pierce told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Expanding the Aspen Snow Ball into a week-long experience was about creating more opportunities to amplify our mission. By including multiple events, we’re able to reach a wider audience and showcase the many ways people can support children battling cancer,” he continued. “This year’s ball is different because it offers a more immersive experience — combining education, art, music, fashion and philanthropy. It’s a chance to not only raise critical funds but also to foster a deeper sense of community.”
On Saturday evening, the gala brought together Robin Thicke, Jackie Cruz from Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, actress Julieth Restrepo, Nicholas Chavez from Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Baywatch actress and cancer survivor Brooke Burke and supermodel Christie Brinkley, with Jay Leno serving as host.
On the red carpet, Thicke said, “I have four children and they’re the most important thing in my life. My world revolves around them and when families and children have to go through these kinds of things, they need as much support from every direction as possible to begin and continue the healing. I’m happy to be here because I know that the work they do here really goes to the children.”
Leno started the night off with a lengthy monologue that captured the attention of the room and touched on topics from Abraham Lincoln to Donald Trump. Then Pierce took to the stage, recognizing those impacted by the recent L.A. fires and how many supporters of COSF from southern California — despite some losing their homes — still made it to Aspen to support the cause. Late COSF board member Rollie Jordan received the Community Leadership Award posthumously, and Brinkley was given the Philanthropic Award. “It’s remarkable to think that this event started three years ago and has made such a profound impact. Hats off to Thomas for what he has done in supporting these heroic children. Tonight is about igniting future efforts,” Brinkley said during her speech.
Thomas Pierce speaks onstage during COSF’s Aspen Snow Ball Gala.
Riccardo S. Savi/Getty Images for Children’s Oncology Support Fund
COSF has previously honored women including Marcia Gay Harden and Rachel Zoe, so Brinkley was a no brainer. “Christie embodies the values at the heart of COSF — compassion and a commitment to making a difference. Honoring her this year recognizes not only her remarkable contributions but also the example she sets for using one’s platform to create meaningful change,” said Pierce.
The auction was led by auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla, as the big ticket item of the evening came with a bid for six nights in Cannes during this year’s film festival, including five red carpet premiere tickets to attend with Pierce and tickets to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco, which sold for $110,000. As the night wound down, singer Parson James took to the stage in a surprise performance to sing “We Stole The Show.” The evening also included moments from Swedish singer Zara Larsson and Chloe Jane. Guests then moved to ZigZag, a restaurant in Aspen for the afterparty. The event raised $3.5 million for pediatric cancer research.
The ball was preceded by a week of events. On Thursday, there was an educational panel followed by the kick-off benefit concert, held at the Aspen Art Museum, where guests nibbled on canapes and sipped cocktails while listening to Alexis Silva, Chloe Jane, Luke K and Thicke, who mesmerized the crowd with his hits “Lost Without U,” “Magic Touch” and “Blurred Lines.” Friday afternoon featured a “Saddle Up and Shop” event, where curated brands in support of COSF donated 25 percent of their sales to the mission of pediatric cancer research. That evening, Velocity Black hosted the benefactor dinner at the Aspen St. Regis.