Robert De Niro to be honored with 'Brass Ring Award' at 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball
Chairman and host of the Carousel of Hope Ball Barbara Davis announced that Academy award-winning actor, producer, and director Robert De Niro would be honored with the prestigious 'Brass Ring Award' during this year's event on Saturday, October 6.
The event, which is held biennially, is dedicated to increasing awareness for diabetes, and raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. De Niro, who is a longtime supporter of it, will be bestowed the award for his humanitarian efforts and continued support of the cause.
It is named after the elusive brass ring that carousel riders would try and catch when the ride first became popular, and which is now recognized as a universal symbol of achievement and represents the mission to find the elusive cure for diabetes.
De Niro will be joining illustrious company when he's honored with the award in October. Previous recipients include the likes of Frank Sinatra, Hillary Clinton, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, George Clooney, Jane Fonda, Sir Sidney Poitier, David Foster, Halle Berry, and Sherry Lansing.
"We are so delighted to announce that the multi-talented, two-time Oscar-winning actor, director, and producer, Robert De Niro will receive the Brass Ring Award at the 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball," Davis said, speaking on the occasion. She added: "He is one of the kindest, most caring human beings I have ever known. He goes above and beyond to help others and has supported the Carousel of Hope from the very start."
This year will mark the iconic event's 32nd anniversary and since its inception in 1978, has been a Hollywood favorite. Guests in attendance normally get to enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, musical performances and other entertainment, all the while getting to raise awareness about a disease that inflicts over 30 million people in the US.
Funds are raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions. So far, the Carousel of Hope Balls have managed to raise over $100 million, with the proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
The 2018 Ball will be sponsored by American Airlines, Tina & Rick Caruso, Marlyn and Robert Day, and Dexcom. Celebrities will not have to wait too long, however, as Davis will be co-hosting a kickoff cocktail party with Bruce Bozzi, Jr. at The Palm on May 21.
