PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ
Let’s face it, except for perhaps the Oscars, it really doesn’t get any better than that annual blast-to-the-past, feel-good bash known as the Race to Erase MS. Nancy Davis, who seems to outdo herself every year, out-did herself once again. Every imaginable A-lister was in attendance, dressed to the nines, in good spirits for a good cause.
Dy-no-mite! This year’s theme was disco and Nancy’s high-profile pals went all out. The Hilton sisters were styling in a pair of floaty floral frocks, Lindsay Lohan looked primo in peach and Nicole Riche went red-carpet rad in white.
Can ya dig it? Songbird Natalie Cole was right-on with a beach ball-sized white afro, burnt-orange hot pants and sky-high platform boots. Her sidekick looked equally fab in pants of red plaid, yellow tuxedo shirt and superfly shades. Byron Allen made good on his vow to wear the ‘do of the decade. “Man, I cannot believe I ever had an afro,” he told Malibu Seen. “I don’t miss this look at all.”
I hear that! Inside, the night fever was in full swing with John Travolta three-piece suits, crushed velvet bellbottoms, gold lame blazers-even rollerblades.
Totally Awesome! Soon it was showtime and we filed into the ballroom of the Century Plaza Hotel, which was transformed into a party palace reminiscent of Studio 54. In addition to the mirrored disco balls and colorful neon, the tables were done up in shimmery silver and piled high with roses.
Funk it out! Next, Tommy Hilfiger was slamming with his flashy fashion show. “Dancing with the Stars” darling Lisa Rinna turned up the heat to the beat of “Disco Inferno.” Lisa showed off her high kicks, deep dives and serious splits while buff guys and leggy gals joined in. Lisa took a final turn to “Last Dance” and Tommy took a bow with Lindsay and Nicole in tow.
Keeping it real! After the live auction, Ryan Seacrest reminded the revelers what the evening was all about. “‘American Idol’ takes a lot of talent, but nothing like the talent it takes to put on something like this.” And (natch) that means the talent of Nancy Davis.
Totally Awesome! Diagnosed with MS 14 years ago, Nancy’s doctors gave her little hope. Instead of giving up, she’s raised $25 million for a cure, had twins, designed a jewelry line and penned a self-help book. Plus, you must be doing something right when your kids are singing your praises. “How great is my mom?” son Jason exclaimed. “She is the most dedicated woman I have ever met in my life.”
Sibling Alex was quick to second that emotion. “My mom is determined to leave the world a better place and I’ve never been more proud to be her son than at this moment.”
Say What? Nancy had a few words for her many fans noting that “When we began, there were no drugs for MS. Today there are five. We are one year closer to finding a cure. Thank you for being part of the family that will erase MS.”
And with that-cue Sister Sledge belting out “We Are Family.” The disco icons were followed by Macy Gray, Natalie Cole and finally a little Hollywood swinging courtesy of Kool and the Gang.
In the 10 years that Malibu Seen has been on this scene, the evening has never failed to bring the crowd to its feet, and by the time we were at “Jungle Boogie,” everyone was grooving, including Nancy carrying one of her toddler twins on each hip.
Gimme five! The evening of fun and inspiration raised another $2.5 million for the cause and another year to marvel at Nancy Davis, whose dedication and determination is righteous indeed!