With stellar performances by Gladys Knight and Jason Derulo capping off the night, the 38th Carousel of Hope Ball was a spectacular evening of generous philanthropy and memorable music.
The gala event, which benefits the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, is held every two years and has been a Hollywood institution since its inception in 1978.
This year’s event was again held in the iconic International ballroom of the Beverly Hilton – its longtime home – and produced by George Schlatter and emceed by producer and composer David Foster, who also served as music director.
As always, it attracted an audience of leaders from the worlds of film, television, music and industry to support increasing awareness for diabetes and to raise funds for the Center’s research and valued work with thousands of patients.
Among those attending were Annie Bosko, Ashley Benson, Berry Gordy, Brandon Davis, Carter Kench, Ed Begley Jr., Janice Dickinson, Josh Flagg, Kathy & Rick Hilton, Kelsey Bascom, Linda Thompson, Nicole Avant, Nigel Lythgoe, Stephen Nedoroscik, Suzanne de Passe and Ted Sarandos.
After guests put in their bids for a vast selection of coveted blind auction items during a lively pre-reception, Foster welcomed the black tie crowd by introducing a video message from event chair Barbara Davis, who was also feted by the audience for her upcoming 94th birthday.
Her daughter Dana Davis had been diagnosed as a child, kicking off the Davis family’s activism for prevention, treatment and the hope for a cure. Diabetes afflicts more than 463 million people and every year, about 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type I diabetes with about half of them being children.
Longtime supporter of the cause and acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren was presented with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award.” In her acceptance speech, Warren said, “You know who deserves a standing ovation? Barbara Davis, Dana Davis, everybody here that’s doing everything for diabetes. That’s who deserves a standing ovation.”
It was just one of the many emotional moments as the evening unfolded.
The “Brass Ring Award” was presented to diabetes activist, songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Jam by Terry Lewis and Max Harris, Jimmy’s son who was diagnosed at the age of two.
After the speeches, it was time for the tunes–and it shouldn’t go without mentioning that legendary record executives Clive Davis and Quincy Jones are the music chairman of the Carousel Ball.
First up, the audience was treated to a rousing performance of Diane Warren’s new song, “The Journey” by singer MaKenzie.
Then came the moment many people at the pre-reception had been buzzing about. Eight-time Grammy award winner Gladys Knight, looking resplendent in a silver beaded gown, took the stage for a four-song set culminating with a standing ovation for her performance of“Midnight Train to Georgia.”
Next, Luke K. gave a surprise performance of his new song “One Shot.”
The grand finale of the evening was multiplatinum singer and songwriter Jason Derulo performing a five-song set including “Trumpets,” “Talk Dirty,” and “Want to Want Me.”
Another huge high note came after auctioneer Halie Behr gave her all to sell a number of incredible items to the highest bidder. Among them, a Dolly Parton signed rhinestone-encrusted guitar, a four-night getaway at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and a Galapagos 10-day getaway expedition for two aboard the National Geographic Endeavor II.
All of the evening’s fundraising efforts tallied more than $1.9 million.
The 2024 Carousel of Hope Ball was presented by Dexcom with underwriting support provided by Sanofi. Additional sponsorship was generously provided by American Airlines, the Official Airline of The Carousel of Hope, and The Beverly Hilton.
