Event chair and host Barbara Davis has announced that Sir Sidney Poitier will be honored with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2016 Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday, October 8.
The biennial event is dedicated to increasing awareness for diabetes, and raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Longtime supporter and friend to the cause, Sir Sidney Poitier, will receive the inaugural award at this year’s ball, an honor that was inspired by his incredible legacy and the many lives he has touched. From his upbringing in the Bahamas, to his move to the United States as just a teenager, Poitier faced many obstacles on his path to success. His incredible accomplishments since then as an esteemed actor, director, writer, diplomat, humanitarian, philanthropist, and more, speak for themselves. The Carousel of Hope is proud to honor Sir Sidney Poitier, a true icon and inspiration, with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Speaking on the award, Chairman and Host of the Carousel of Hope Ball Barbara Davis, said, “Sidney Poitier is one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. He is a man of integrity and honor, and one of the great actors of our time. With that in mind, we are delighted to present him with the Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Additional honorees at the black-tie event include Jane Fonda, David Foster, and Sherry Lansing, each of whom will receive the “Brass Ring Award” for their humanitarian efforts and continued support of the cause. The “Brass Ring Award” was named after the elusive brass ring that carousel riders would try to catch when the ride first became popular. Now universally recognized as a symbol of achievement, the brass ring represents the ultimate goal of finding a cure for diabetes. Each of the “Brass Ring Award” recipients exemplifies the dedication and strength that brings the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center one step closer to finding a cure. Past “Brass Ring Award” recipients include Frank Sinatra, Halle Berry, Hillary Clinton, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, George Clooney, and more.
Anjelica Huston, Quincy Jones, Carole Bayer Sager, and Denzel Washington will take the stage as presenters for Barbara Davis’ gala in October. Jay Leno and David Foster will reprise their roles as Master of Ceremonies and Music Director respectively. Clive Davis and Quincy Jones will serve as Music Chairmen, while George Schlatter returns to produce the show.
“The unwavering support we have received from the entertainment community over the years has been truly remarkable. From music, to film, to television and more, everyone has embraced our cause from day one,” said Barbara Davis. “Their kindness and generosity has helped bring us closer to a cure than ever before, and has made all the difference to me, to my daughter Dana, and to the 32 million Americans who suffer from diabetes. I want to thank everyone for riding the Carousel of Hope and reaching for that brass ring with us. Together, we will find a cure.”
This year marks the 30th Carousel Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, exciting entertainment, and musical performances. The 2016 ball will be a “Celebration of Hollywood,” and its essential components of strength, power, and talent. Since its inception in 1978, the iconic event has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment industry leaders from all areas for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts over 30 million people in the United States alone, is rapidly on the rise. It is estimated that one in three babies born today will have diabetes in their lifetime and each year, approximately 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, 25,000 are children. The Carousel of Hope Balls have raised more than $100 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC). Funds are raised through sponsorships, a live and silent auction, and contributions. Rated #1 Benefit in Southern California by Bizbash for multiple years, this star-studded evening is not to be missed.
The 2016 Carousel of Hope Ball is generously sponsored by American Airlines, Dexcom, Inc., The Grove/Tina & Rick Caruso, St. Regis Hotels, and Activision Blizzard.
Additional sponsors include GUESS? Inc., CBS, HBO, Viacom/Paramount, NBCUniversal, 20th Century Fox Film, and The Coca-Cola Company.
For more information about the event, click here.
