Amy Green's New Chapter: From Global Philanthropy to Nightlife Safety

When Amy Green steps onto the stage at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, it won’t just be another glittering evening on the New York philanthropic circuit — it will be a full-circle moment. The co-founder of The Green Vision Foundation and a tireless advocate for conservation and community empowerment, Green will be honored at the 2025 Angel Ball, the annual black-tie gala benefiting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

Hosted by Denise Rich and her daughters, Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, the event has become one of New York’s most enduring fundraisers. This year’s celebration — emceed by Gayle King and featuring performances by Ja Rule and Paul Russell — will also recognize breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles and philanthropists Skye and Don Rufus Hankey.

For Green, whose work has long focused on protecting the planet, receiving an honor tied to cancer research feels deeply personal. “I’m so honored,” she said. “This evening is about carrying forward Gabrielle’s legacy and supporting philanthropy and conservation that create lasting change. It’s inspiring to see how generosity and collaboration can make a real difference in the world.”

The recognition underscores a career defined by purpose. Through her Green Vision Foundation, Green has raised millions for causes ranging from ocean restoration and anti-poaching efforts to rainforest preservation. Her signature event, The Footprint of Life Gala, has drawn world leaders and activists to champion climate action and sustainability. “Most of the work I’ve done has been connected to the planet,” she explained. “But I’ve also built programs around education — helping women and children — because it’s all connected. Community, environment, and empowerment go hand in hand.”

As the Angel Ball prepares to celebrate its 27th year, Green sees her honor not as a culmination but as a continuation. “Cancer has touched everyone in some way,” she said. “Being part of an evening that funds research and honors Gabrielle’s memory is very meaningful. It reminds us that we’re all part of something bigger.”

That sense of connection also fuels Green’s newest venture: CounterSpike USA, a safety technology company she co-founded with her husband, entrepreneur and sports team owner Gary Green. Their first product, SpikeStixx, is a discreet and portable strip that detects drink tampering in seconds. Developed in the U.K. by British entrepreneur Mark Ackred, the innovation has now found its U.S. launchpad under the Greens’ leadership.

“CounterSpike is about more than a product — it’s about changing culture,” Green said. “Every woman and man deserves to feel safe when they go out. SpikeStixx delivers instant protection and peace of mind, but it also helps normalize safety as something empowering, not fearful.”

The device works simply: a user dips a strip into their drink, and within moments, it can detect up to seven commonly used “date-rape” drugs, including GHB and ketamine. Green says the product is designed to be discreet, intuitive, and accessible — particularly for young people navigating nightlife environments where such threats have become alarmingly common.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people have been spiked — millions worldwide,” she noted. “And many don’t even come forward because they feel embarrassed or blame themselves. We want to change that.”

As part of its strategic plan, CounterSpike will lobby for laws similar to California’s drink testing legislation, which requires venues to provide rapid testing kits and staff training to prevent drink tampering. The goal is to establish consistent nationwide standards that protects patrons, raises awareness, and promotes accountability across the hospitality industry.

CounterSpike’s launch coincides with a broader educational campaign and a creative platform that brings together artists, athletes, and influencers to amplify awareness. “Music and sports cut across every generation and community,” Green said. “We’re working with incredible ambassadors who will help us spark real conversations and make safety part of the social culture.”

The first phase of SpikeStixx’s U.S. rollout will begin in late November — just in time for the holiday season, when parties and social gatherings peak. “It’s the perfect time to start shifting habits,” Green said. “People deserve to celebrate without fear.” A second phase, still under wraps, promises to take the initiative “to a global level,” she hinted.

That advocacy spirit — one that blends purpose, technology, and community — is something Green and her husband are now extending into the world of media. The couple is developing a podcast that will bring together thought leaders in sports, music, and culture to explore empowerment, safety, and social awareness.

“I’ve worked in sports broadcasting for years,” Green said, recalling her time on Fox Sports and her husband’s experience owning professional baseball and soccer teams. “We’ve both wanted to do something together that’s meaningful but still engaging — a space where we can talk about the issues that matter, from nightlife safety to leadership to resilience.”

The podcast, set to debut later this year, will feature guests ranging from athletes and DJs to activists and artists. “It’s about empowerment,” Green explained. “We’ll be having honest conversations with people who are using their platforms for good — people who inspire confidence and change.”

The first episodes will coincide with Art Basel in Miami, where CounterSpike will host its own activation during Art With Me, an event founded by their friend David Graziano. The brand will distribute SpikeStixx test strips and host a live fireside chat featuring artists and ambassadors discussing safety and empowerment. “We want to show that awareness can be cool, that safety can be part of celebration,” she said.

As Green prepares for her honor at the Angel Ball — an event that fuses legacy, music, and philanthropy — she sees her multiple ventures as pieces of the same mission. “Whether it’s protecting the planet or protecting people, it’s all about care,” she said. “It’s about making sure the world we leave behind is a little better, a little safer, and a lot more conscious.”

With a full calendar — from launching SpikeStixx nationwide to producing a new podcast and supporting cancer research — Amy Green is quietly shaping a new kind of activism. Her approach blends glamour with grit, compassion with innovation.

“I believe in action,” she said. “You can make a difference in the world and still have fun doing it.”