Gala Glamourama

THE OCCASION The InterContinental Make-A-Wish Ball celebrated its 21st anniversary with one of its most ambitious galas to date. We’re talking mythological entertainment, out-of-this-world live auction items, a performance by Marc Anthony and an afterparty that went late into the night. THE CROWD More than 850 guests donned their gowns and tuxedos for what’s become one of the main parties of the gala season. Actress Gabrielle Anwar was the celebrity MC for the fifth year in a row and the three men who make the ball happen—Shareef Malnik, Robert Hill and Norm Wedderburn—were present and accounted for. THE HIGHLIGHTS Pharaoh statues! Oversize ice carvings! A Neiman Marcus fashion show! The soiree had its wow-factor in check. Dinner at the InterContinental’s grand ballroom was rather animated as Anwar urged guests to bid and bid again. And Anthony brought the house down with his concert of hits. By evening’s end, the affair had raised $2.25 million to make the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions come true. –Photography by Manny Hernandez & World Red Eye