Nancy Davis is a champion. In 1991, at the age of 33, Davis—a naturally active jewelry and clothing designer, author and philanthropist who could be found skiing or practicing getting her black belt in karate on any given day—was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After being told by her doctors that she would be “lucky” to operate a remote control on her TV, she realized she was too young and too busy to let the disease stop her life in its tracks. She was determined to devote her time, relationships and resources to finding a cure.
Fast forward to 1993, when she created Race to Erase MS, an organization whose primary focus is to raise funds for the most cutting-edge, aggressive and promising research in an effort to find a cure for MS. She then created the Race to Erase MS Gala event. Since its inception, the Race to Erase MS has grown into a spectacular celebrity gala benefit held annually. To date, the gala event has raised over $46 million for multiple sclerosis research. When she first started, there was no known cause, no cure, no drugs on the market, and a true lack of hope. Davis and the foundation have funded the scientific discoveries that led to the development of fifteenth drug to receive FDA approval in March of 2017 called Ocrevus.
The event even led to a future career: during the 2002 Race to Erase Gala with Tommy Hilfiger, she and the fashion designer determined to have a theme: Peace & Love to Erase MS. T he event’s symbol became a heart with a peace sign nestled in the middle. She made necklaces with the symbol for performers Natalie Cole, Donna Summer and Sela Ward, which were so admired that she created the Peace & Love Jewelry by Nancy Davis line, which is carried at Saks Fifth Avenue.
In advance of this year’s 25th anniversary Race to Erase MS gala on April 20, Davis sat down with Haute Living to share her most magical (and peaceful) spots in the City of Angels.
Photo Credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Where were you born: Denver, Colorado
How long in LA: 31 years
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
Occupation: Chairwoman of The Race To Erase MS + Owner and designer of Peace & Love Jewelry by Nancy Davis
Favorite Restaurant: Craigs
Best Sushi: Nobu
Best Italian: Il Pastaio
Best Dessert: Chocolate Souffle at The Polo Lounge
Best place for a romantic date: Giorgio Baldi
Best Sunday brunch: The Ivy on Robertson
Best place for a power business meeting: The Grill on the Alley
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Montage
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Alice & Olivia
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Peace & Love Jewelry by Nancy Davis
Best Spa: Cal A Vie
Favorite Charity Event: Race To Erase MS
Favorite Cultural Institution: The Broad Museum
Best Steakhouse: Cut
Best Pizza: Spago
Best Lunch: The Polo Lounge
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox
Best Limousine/Driving Service: International Limos
Best Museum/Exhibit: LACMA
Describe your city in three words: Fun, exciting, comfortable
All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Malibu
Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The weather and the people
