Glamour, Music and Philanthropy On Display at the Hottest Charity Event in Tinseltown

On Saturday, October 5, event chair Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis hosted the 38th Carousel of Hope Ball, which returned to The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Legendary songwriter Diane Warren was honored with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award,” while diabetes activist, legendary songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Jam was also honored with the “Brass Ring Award.” And throughout the night, guests were treated to show-stopping performances by Gladys Knightand Jason Derulo, as well as Luke K. and MaKenzie — and special appearances by Rylee Arnold, and emcee David Foster. 

The Ball raised an incredible $1.9 million this year, in addition to the more than $115 million that The Carousel Balls have raised since 1978. 

Presented by Dexcom, the global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for people with diabetes, the biennial event is committed to increasing awareness for type 1 diabetes, raising funds for clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, and supporting programs run by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Funds are raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions. 

It was a star-studded night, bringing together leaders from the film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and research.  

After red carpet arrivals and a pre-dinner silent auction, emcee David Foster welcomed guests before introducing a video message from Barbara Davis thanking everyone for coming. Dana Davis also took to the stage to talk about the progress thus far, saying, “Everyone who has ever been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and their families may fear infinite disappointments, uncertainty, and the unknown. But thanks to all of you, they have hope. Hope for prevention, hope for better treatments, hope for a cure, hope for a long life. These are all what I believe are an infinite hope and why this ball is called the Carousel of Hope.” 

Afterwords, David Foster presented renowned award-winning songwriter (and a longtime supporter of the cause) Diane Warren with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award.” Earlier I spoke with the legend herself on the red carpet and speaking about the honor, she said “It’s really cool… I love Barbara Davis, she’s a dear friend of mine, and when she asked me if I wanted to do this, I’m like ‘hell yeah.’” Of course, Diane Warren is no stranger to picking up awards (Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes, honorary Oscars, the list goes on… not to mention number one hit songs) — but this one is special on its own. She said, “It’s great just to be acknowledged, right? Anytime someone wants to acknowledge you, just say yes.” 

Singer MaKenzie later kicked off the evening’s musical performances with “The Journey” written by Diane Warren for Tyler Perry’s film, The Six Triple Eight.

Terry Lewis and Max Harris presented the “Brass Ring Award” to diabetes activist, songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Jam. In several heartfelt moments, Jimmy Jam explained how he became a diabetes activist after his son Max was diagnosed. He also added that “I’ve heard the word ‘hero’ used a lot tonight, and I just want to start by saying that you can’t spell the word ‘hero’ without ‘h-e-r.’ So, let me start off with some of the ‘h-e-rs’ here tonight, starting with Barbara Davis. Barbara, thank you so much for always making a home for myself and my family here at this beautiful event every year from the time that Max was diagnosed at age two. You’ve been an advocate and a friend of [our family]… I also want to shout out talking about ‘h-e-rs,’ let’s talk about Dana Davis. We got to share some time earlier today that was absolutely wonderful. I want to thank you so much for taking something that could be a tragedy and using it to lead us forward towards a cure.” 

Eight-time GRAMMY Award-winner Gladys Knight performed “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye),” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Of course, many in the audience were also singing along with the icon. 

Hip-hop artist Luke K performed his debut single “One Shot” live for the first time, kicking off his career with some of the biggest stars in music in the audience. 

And multi-platinum singer and songwriter Jason Derulo closed out the night, pretty much bringing the house down as he completely owned the stage with heart-pumping performances of “Whatcha Say,” “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat),” “Trumpets,” “Talk Dirty,” and “Want to Want Me.” 

The Ball also featured a live auction led by auctioneer Halie Behr… including a Dolly Parton signed rhinestone-encrusted guitar, tropical island four-night getaway at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, a Galapagos 10-day getaway expedition for two aboard the National Geographic Endeavor II, a three-night stay at the Spa House at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa including pickleball lessons and massages, a “Yume” sculpture by visual artist Daniel Mazzone, and a pair of Roberto Coin diamond earrings. 

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Dancing with the Stars pro Rylee Arnold shared her story of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago at age 16, saying “From that point forward, I wanted to make sure I didn’t let it affect my life, and I would only take the life lessons I learned from type 1 diabetes to push me to become an even better person and to become more motivated to accomplish my dreams. I also made a promise to myself that I would always be an advocate and a voice for type 1 diabetes so that I can show someone who is recently diagnosed that they can do it and that type 1 diabetes should never stop you from living your dream life. It’ll only make you stronger, which is why I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be sharing my story with you all today.” 

Additional special guests at this year’s event included 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, Ted Sarandos, and many others. 

Underwriting support was provided by Sanofi. Additional sponsorship was generously provided by American Airlines, the Official Airline of The Carousel of Hope, and The Beverly Hilton. KTLA was the exclusive local television media partner of The Carousel of Hope and Variety was the exclusive entertainment trade publication sponsor and media partner.

David Foster also served as the Music Director with Clive Davis and Quincy Jones as Music Chairmen and George Schlatter returned to produce the show.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, focusing on patient support, diabetes research & prevention, and public awareness. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Aurora, CO, was established more than 40 years ago by Barbara and Marvin Davis after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven.

The non-profit organization is dedicated to the support of research in diabetes and to providing the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs, where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial means.