Gwyneth Paltrow refused to let a bad cold stop her from hosting a charity gala last night in New York. Despite her illness and the icy weather, she was adamant about attending saying, " It's for a really good cause...so I couldn't take a sick day today."

As the face of Damiani diamonds, Paltrow helped represent the brand at the cancer fundraiser which took place at New York's St. Regis Hotel.

Despite feeling ill, the Oscar winner managed to look fashionable and chic in a simple black dress, brightly colored shoes, and a scarlet- hued mouth.

Paltrow even managed to talk shop; she confessed she is excited about going back to work. She is currently filming "The Good Night," which is being directed by her brother Jake, and she is going to star alongside Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."

The actress- who is married to Coldplay front man Chris Martin- has spent the last two years raising their two children, daughter Apple, two, and Moses, 10 months.  

The money raised by the diamond auction will go towards the foundation of the city's first Hope Lodge, which will provide free housing for adult cancer patients undergoing treatment.