It was a who’s who of Hollywood and Malibu as the stars waltzed their way down the red carpet for the annual Carousel of Hope Ball. A-list legends like Sir Sidney Poitier, Oscar winner Jane Fonda, studio boss Sherry Lansing and funnyman Jay Leno joined David Foster for the 30th anniversary blow out.
Hosted by Barbara Davis, the 2016 ball was a “Celebration of Hollywood and its strength, power and talent.”
Since 1978, Carousel has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment heavyweights for a night dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for diabetes.
The Carousel of Hope Ball has raised more than $100 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.
Longtime supporter and friend to the cause, Sir Sidney Poitier, was honored with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award” dedicated to the many lives he has touched. Denzel Washington presented Sir Sid with the special award, introducing him as, “My hero, my mentor, my friend.”
Jane Fonda, David Foster and Sherry Lansing each received a “Brass Ring Award” for their humanitarian efforts and continued support of the cause. Quincy Jones presented the award to Jane Fonda, Carole Bayer Sager honored David Foster and Anjelica Huston presented to Sherry Lansing.
Award-winning artists Jamie Foxx and Idina Menzel treated guests to musical performances, with Menzel performing the hit song “Defying Gravity.” Jamie Foxx brought the crowd to its feet with his rendition of “I Feel Good,” and had everyone dancing to “What’d I Say.”
Jay Leno played emcee and had the crowd laughing all night long. David Foster returned as music director, while musical icons Clive Davis and Quincy Jones served as music chairmen. Sexy Sharon Stone joined Jay Leno onstage as auctioneer for a memorable live auction experience that had guests bidding on items ranging from the ultimate mountain getaway in Aspen, to a luxurious trip to the St. Regis Dubai.
Brenna Whitaker surprised the crowd with a soulful rendition of “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” joined by performers Ben Gulley and Rogelio Davis, Jr. David Foster had another surprise in store for the crowd, when he pulled Quinton Aaron onstage for his impressive take on the classic song “Let’s Get It On.”
At this star-studded event, you could also spy dozens of Malibu notables, such as Jane Seymour, Ed Begley, Jerry Bruckheimer and Kristin Cavallari, as well as Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Carmen Electra, Vivica A. Fox, Berry Gordy, Kathy Griffin, Melanie Griffith, George Hamilton, Rupert Murdoch, Don Rickles, Russell Simmons, Suzanne Somers, Alan Thicke and the list goes on and on. The final song of the night was a joint effort by stage-talent and guests alike, who came together to sing “Happy Birthday” to host Barbara Davis. A carousel-themed cake was brought out in her honor at the end of the night. The event raised millions, so needless to say, when it comes to fundraising, Carousel runs rings around the competition.