Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 10 Year Commitment To The Carousel Of Hope Ball

Mercedes-Benz to Auction Limited Edition 2013 G63 AMG designo during Live Auction

(Beverly Hills, CA, September 25, 2012)---The Carousel of Hope, the world’s premiere charity event benefiting childhood diabetes hosted biennially by Barbara Davis, is celebrating ten years of commitment from Mercedes-Benz as presenting sponsor of the gala. Mercedes-Benz has been a proud sponsor of The Carousel of Hope since 2002 making this their fifth consecutive gala.  This year’s event is the 26^th gala taking place on Sat., Oct. 20 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. 

As in previous years, Mercedes-Benz will auction off a limited edition vehicle during the live auction. This year’s vehicle will be a 2013 G63 AMG designo valued at $137,000. Host and auctioneer Jay Leno will put the exciting new car up for bid with the hope of raising tremendous funds for children’s diabetes. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will also be auctioning off numerous items during the silent auction including a Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy Integrated Program – a teen driver education and  training course  designed to go beyond the state minimum requirements by providing 30 hours of driving theory and 16 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons, “My First Mercedes-Benz Vehicles” – an SLS AMG kids push car and 300 SL Gullwing pedal car for children, Mercedes-Benz Women's and Men’s Golf Attire, and a Mercedes-Benz Tailgate Party. Mercedes-Benz will also be providing luxury transportation for honorees and committee members at the 26^th Carousel of Hope.  

“Mercedes-Benz is proud to sponsor The Carousel of Hope for the fifth consecutive year,” says Jill Martinette, regional marketing manager at Mercedes-Benz.  “The gala is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the impact of diabetes.”

“It has been an honor to partner with Mercedes-Benz since 2002 on Mercedes-Benz Presents The Carousel of Hope,” said Barbara Davis.  “Not only do they make the finest and most beautiful cars in the world, they are a company whose philanthropy reaches around the globe.  Their support has brought us giant steps closer to prevention and the cure for diabetes.”

Jay Leno will encore as Master of Ceremonies at The Carousel of Hope which will honor Oscar®-winning actor, producer, director and philanthropist George Clooney with the “The Brass Ring Award” for his outstanding artistic achievements and unprecedented humanitarian undertakings. Featured performers include Grammy Award-winning musician Neil Diamond and R&B and Pop icon Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds along with other world-renowned artists to be announced.         David Foster and George Schlatter will, respectively, reprise their roles as music director and producer. Past awardees Quincy Jones and Clive Davis, the evening’s Music Chairmen, will also participate in the program.

The legendary, star-studded gala benefits the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (www.barbaradaviscenter.org), the country’s leading care and research center for type 1 diabetes.   

In addition to presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz, other major sponsors include Guess? Inc., American Airlines, Estee Lauder, Moët Hennessy USA and The Beverly Hilton.

Since its founding 35 years ago by Marvin and Barbara Davis, The Carousel of Hope has raised over $75 million on behalf of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes in Denver, Colo.  Over 6,000 children and adults with type 1 diabetes from around the globe visit regularly for specialized care.  The Center also cares for children with type 2 diabetes.  Both forms of the disease are increasing at an epidemic rate.