By Valerie Milano
Palm Desert, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/1/26 – Palm Desert shimmered with purpose and elegance Friday night as the Third Annual Starry Starry Night Gala for Breast Cancer Awareness unfolded at the Chaparral Country Club, transforming the desert into a black-tie beacon of hope, healing, and high-profile advocacy.
Produced by Daphne Barak and Erbil Gunasti through Game Changer Event, LLC, the invitation-only evening brought together leaders from medicine, entertainment, philanthropy, and public service, all united by a shared mission: raising critical funds and awareness for breast cancer research benefiting Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.
From the moment the red carpet opened, the energy was unmistakable. Media, photographers, and guests were greeted with Old Hollywood glamour underscored by modern urgency. The evening was seamlessly guided by hosts Patrick Evans and Eric B, with Cheryl Hines serving as special host, lending warmth, wit, and gravitas to the program.
A standout musical moment came courtesy of country artist Alexis Wilkins, whose live performance brought the ballroom to its feet, blending heart, patriotism, and compassion into a powerful shared experience. The evening also welcomed appearances by the stunning Blac Chyna and ever handsome David A. R. White, who helped present awards honoring courage, service, and life-saving work.
At the emotional core of the night were the Angel of Life Awards, presented to Michelle Milo and Dr. Soudabeh Fazeli, recognizing extraordinary contributions to cancer care and patient advocacy. Their remarks underscored the gala’s deeper purpose: translating generosity into tangible outcomes for patients and families navigating breast cancer.
The story behind Starry Starry Night resonated throughout the room. Following Daphne Barak’s successful breast cancer surgery and year-long chemotherapy journey in 2024, alongside a life-saving emergency operation for Erbil Gunasti within the same 24 hours, the couple transformed personal trials into a global philanthropic movement. With continued partnership from UC San Diego Health physicians and staff, the gala has quickly become one of the desert’s most meaningful charitable events.
Elegant dining, heartfelt tributes, and moments of quiet reflection balanced the evening’s star power, reminding guests that behind every headline and spotlight lies a human story worth fighting for. As the night concluded, one sentiment lingered: this was more than a gala, it was a promise to keep showing up, funding research, and honoring survivors.
With the addition of a post-gala brunch and future fundraising initiatives on the horizon, Starry Starry Night continues to grow in both reach and impact, proof that when community, compassion, and commitment align, real change follows.
Here are my interviews from the Red Carpet:
