American Cancer Society Dream Ball-Stephanie Newhouse

Photographed by Benjamin Lozovsky/BFAnyc.com.

The American Cancer Society's annual Dream Ball (which benefits their "Look Good Feel Better" program) is one of Gotham society's most buzzed-about yearly events — even more so since New Yorkers Erin Cohen, Liana Engel, Jesse Newhouse, and Stephanie Newhouse banded together to create The Young Friends of The Dream Ball. Together, this group of young professionals has injected a new rush of energy into the benefit, creating The Dream Ball After Dark, the after-party that aims to inspire the next generation of philanthropists to get involved (even if they can't swing the hefty dinner-table price tag).

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This year was, of course, the huge success it was expected to be — the Dream Ball and DBAD raised over $2 million for a fantastic cause. To get a behind-the-scenes look at this year's event, we caught up with Stephanie Newhouse, who clued us in on why supporting cancer patients is so important to her (and gave us all of the details on her fabulous dress, of course).

Congratulations on another successful Dream Ball — it seems that this was the most lucrative year yet.

"Thank you! This was our third annual Dream Ball After Dark, and it keeps getting bigger and better each year. I was especially proud to be part of fundraising for Look Good, Feel Better and the American Cancer Society this year. My grandmother is battling cancer, and she actually attended a Look Good, Feel Better workshop! It’s amazing to get to see the actual good that this program accomplishes firsthand. It doesn’t get more personal than that."

And you were the belle of the ball in your gorgeous ensemble, created by your mother-in-law, Lorry Newhouse! What's it like collaborating with her?

"The process of choosing my look for the night was simple — the dress was everything! My mother-in-law just showed this gown I wore at her Spring '14 presentation. I took one look, and fell in love! It’s a total princess dress, but the bare midriff keeps it young. I kept the accessories simple, and did my own hair and makeup."

What do you hope will come out of the work that you do with ACS — and how do you think the fashion and beauty industries can continue to support worthy causes?

"The fashion and beauty industries are such a huge part of our lives. A swipe of lipstick, special outfit, or passing whiff of perfume has the power to evoke the most powerful memories, and can color every aspect of our lives. It’s only natural for these industries to be a part of creating positive change in people's lives. My hope is that through the work we do with ACS, we will be able to keep helping people who are living with cancer have access to programs that will help them to feel like themselves, and help them to find solutions for what they might be experiencing during treatment for their illness. We’re all working for a cure, but until we get one, we aren’t going anywhere."