Philanthropist Barbara Davis Shares Her Haute Secrets to LA

Photo Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Barbara Davis is the real deal. This uber-philanthropist is responsible for one of Hollywood’s most glamorous events, the Carousel of Hope Ball. This year marks the 30^th 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. Jane Fonda, David Foster and Sherry Lansing will receive the Brass Ring Award for their humanitarian efforts, while Sir Sidney Poitier will be honored with the “Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award.” Speaking on the award, Chairman and Host 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.” Anjelica Huston, Quincy Jones, Carole Bayer Sager, and Denzel Washington will take the stage as presenters for the gala, while 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,” Davis says. Here, Davis shares her haute secrets to the City of Angels, the city she has called home for 35 years.

Where were you born:    New York

How long in LA: 1981

Neighborhood:  Beverly Hills

Occupation:   Philanthropist/wife/mother/grandmother

Favorite Restaurant: Used to be Chasen’s. Now  Spago, Craig’s, Madeo, Il Pistaol and I.Baldi

Best Sushi: I don’t eat sushi 

Best Italian:   Madeo

Best place for a romantic date: Your house or apartment with you cooking

Best Sunday brunch: Beverly Hills Hotel

Best place for a power business meeting:  Beverly Hills Hotel  

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?  Beverly Hills Hotel

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Escalator at Neiman Marcus & Saks/Armani, Valentino, Chanel and Oscar de la Renta

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:  Harry Winston

Best Spa:  Beverly Hills Hotel 

Favorite Charity Event:  Carousel of Hope Ball benefiting the Barbra Davis Center for Diabetes with the best care and research in type 1 diabetes

Favorite Cultural Event:  Opening Night of the LA Opera when Zubin Mehta comes & conducts the Israeli Symphony 

Favorite Cultural Institution:  LACMA and Broad Museum 

Best Steakhouse:  The Palm 

Best Pizza:  Mulberry Street

Best Lunch:  Polo Lounge Beverly Hills hotel –  The McCarthy Salad

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: My own equipment at home

Best Massage:  I don’t do massages

Best Limousine/Driving Service:   Your Private Chauffer

Best Museum/Exhibit: The Broad and LACMA

Describe your city in three words:  The Entertainment Industry Film Music and Television – Cultural, Exciting, Glamourous

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Friends’ homes 

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: Warmth, culture, entertainment industry—film music television