The Carousel of Hope, the world’s premiere charity event benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted biannually by Barbara Davis, and presented by Mercedes Benz, is set for its 26th gala on Sat., Oct. 20, in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton.
Oscar-winning actor, producer, director and philanthropist George Clooney will receive “The Brass Ring Award” for his outstanding artistic achievements and unprecedented humanitarian undertakings.
Featured performers include soul legend Aretha Franklin, R&B and Pop icon Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and other world-renowned artists to be announced.
The legendary, star-studded gala benefits the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, the country’s leading care and research center for type 1 diabetes.
The event’s blue ribbon committee includes Sir Michael Caine, Barbra Streisand, Denzel Washington, Sumner Redstone, Les Moonves, Paul and Maurice Marciano, Jane Fonda, Berry Gordy, Richard Gere, Carey Lowell, David Geffen, Brad Grey, Scarlett Johansson, Raquel Welch, Maria Shriver, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Goldie Hawn, Sir Sidney Poitier and Sir Elton John.
Jay Leno will encore as Master of Ceremonies and David Foster and George Schlatter will, respectively, reprise their roles as music director and producer.
George Clooney has starred in dozens of films, including “Oceans Eleven” and “Michael Clayton,” and is a longtime advocate for the Darfur and Haitian refugees, causes for which he has generated much international attention and engaged the interest of many world leaders, and was a co-founder of the America: A Tribute to Heroes charity telethon, which raised $200 million for 9/11 families and workers.
Aretha Franklin is lovingly known as “The Queen of Soul” for presenting 50 years of unparalleled entertainment; among her hundreds of accolades are an astounding 18 Grammy Awards.
For the fifth consecutive time, Mercedes-Benz will be the presenting sponsor and a highlight of the evening will be the auctioning of a Mercedes-Benz.
Other major sponsors include Guess? Inc., American Airlines, Estee Lauder, Moët Hennessy USA and The Beverly Hilton.
Past awardees Quincy Jones and Clive Davis will also participate in the program.
The Carousel of Hope galas have featured once-in-a-lifetime performances by Elton John, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Ricky Martin, Beyoncé Knowles, Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, the Jonas Brothers, Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson and BB King.
Since its founding 35 years ago by Marvin and Barbara Davis, The Carousel of Hope has raised over $75 million on behalf of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes in Denver, Colo. Over 6,000 children and adults with type 1 diabetes from around the globe visit regularly for specialized care. The Center also cares for children with type 2 diabetes. Both forms of the disease are increasing at an epidemic rate.
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