Feelings of warmth and giving flooded the Marriott Marquis at the T. J. Martell Foundation’s annual gala, benefiting leukemia, cancer, and AIDS initiatives, and honoring Bill Clinton and music industry legend Clarence Avant.

Virgin Records CEO Jason Flom introduced Clinton and teased the crowd with, “I’d like to introduce the husband of the next president of the United States.” (A few years ago, we predicted Hillary would be president and Bill would be first lady). During his speech, the former president took a lighthearted jab at himself: “When you’re not president anymore, even your own friends think they can ridicule you.”

While the guests enjoyed dinner, Sheryl Crow—who is looking happy and healthy after her recent battle with breast cancer and her split from Lance Armstrong—appeared onstage to perform with no introduction (unusual for a rock star of her caliber)!

In the giving spirit: Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Gayle King, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Martha Stewart, Tony Martell, Big & Rich, Clive Davis, Terry Lewis, Berry Gordy, and Jimmy Jam.