HOT TO TROT
They put on their boogie shoes and grooved the night away at Nancy Davis’ annual “Race to Erase MS” blowout at the Century Plaza Hotel. This year’s fun-filled fling took a turn from the wildly successful reality show “Dancing With the Stars,” and was called “Dance to Erase MS.”
We knew music director David Foster was cooking up something extra special even before the festivities got underway. “I have just one little surprise this year,” the man of note told Malibu Seen with a smile. “I’m bringing back the Beatles.” It was an unlikely line-up to be sure, but if anyone could pull it off, it would be Dave and Nancy.
The silent auction area was bopping with Jon Lovitz checking out luxury trips to Bora Bora and Virginia Madsen eying flashy home accessories. Other high-end must-haves included a dozen designer handbags donated by the likes of Paris the heiress and her posse of pals. There was just enough time to put down a bid on a sexy Louis Vuitton tote before checking out the goodies up for grabs at the upcoming live auction. Gals drooled over an adorable English bulldog puppy (also drooling), while the guys zoomed in on the racy red Ferrari.
Soon it was showtime and we took our seats in the ballroom, which had been transformed into an elegantly dressed disco dance hall. Tables were done up in black and gold with floral centerpieces of yellow roses courtesy of Mark’s Garden. In keeping with tradition, Tommy Hilfiger put on a stylish spectacle that was sizzling hot. His celebrity fashion show featured “Dancing With the Stars” vets, including Stacy Keibler, Lisa Rinna and Drew Lachey as well as red carpet regulars Daisy Fuentes and Tara Reid.
This year, Tommy went mad for plaid. The look is not for everyone, but when worn by brooding, buffed-out, bare-chested hunks, those loud red and black pants don’t look half bad. We witnessed a parade of slinky frocks and flashy suits before Tommy took a bow with Oscar winner Forest Whitaker’s gorgeous wife Keisha, who was decked out in a sexy black gown and major diamond bling.
After a dinner of heirloom tomato salad, sirloin and a chocolate dessert in the shape of a baby grand piano, the live auction got under way followed by a jiggy salute to ND.
In keeping with tradition, the Davis kids gave their mom a heart-felt tribute. To a standing ovation, Nancy took the stage with words of gratitude and vowed to dance at her daughters’ weddings. “When I was diagnosed with MS I was told I would not walk,” she said. “Today, not only can I walk, but I can dance. Everyone in this room is a hero to me. So let’s tango our way to the finish line and find a cure.”
To get everyone feeling the rhythm, they sent out the Goo Goo Dolls and the Bombshell Babes. But the shining stars really came out when Earth Wind & Fire dished out disco classics like “Sing a Song.” Next came Dave’s little surprise. No, it wasn’t Sir Paul and Ringo, but there were no complaints when legendary diva Donna Summer emerged on stage. Ms. Donna kept the crowd on its feet with “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls” and of course, “Last Dance.” Over the years, Nancy’s upbeat evenings have raised more than $30 million to stamp out MS. This year, she waltzed away with another $2.5 million to make her dream come true. See you at the wedding!