Inside The 13th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball

Last night UNICEF celebrated their 13th Annual Snowflake Ball at Cipriani. The star-studded evening was hosted by Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated musician, actor and television host Harry Connick Jr. and featured a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Diana Ross. The evening focused on UNICEF USA’s lifesaving work in countries devastated by recent natural disasters, as well as the organization’s dedication to the 50 million children on the move around the world.

Peter Lamm and Diana RossPhoto: Getty Images

Jake Gyllenhaal presented the Helenka Pantaleoni Humanitarian Award to Lucy Meyer, whom was recognized for her work to ensure that every child has opportunities to play and learn. In his speech, Gyllenhaal said, “Becoming a hero is an exercise in facing all of your fears and personal vulnerability head on, it’s about choosing to overcome devastating loss and tragedy day by day.  Heroism and triumph lies in the fact that against these odds, hope prevails. It’s that unlikely, insistent hope, in a world of violence and despair, that sets heroes apart and inspires us all.”

Diana Ross opened her performance with her hit classic, “I’m Coming Out,” followed by “Stop in the Name of Love” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories, and has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. Since the inaugural UNICEF Snowflake Ball in 2005, the annual event has raised $31 million for UNICEF's lifesaving programs.

Guests include Anna Wintour, Dikembe Mutombo, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sandra Lee, David Villa, Jessica Nowitzki, Dayle Haddon and more.

Take a look at our gallery below courtesy of Getty Images