Elton John, Sting, BB King To Perform At Diabetes Charity Gala

The 15th Carousel of Hope, the world's premiere gala benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted by Marvin and Barbara Davis, is set for October 15, in Beverly Hills, CA at Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton Hotel. Elton John, Sting and BB King will headline the entertainment program, and Jay Leno will once again be master of ceremonies. Sidney Poitier will be presented the "Brass Ring Award" by Halle Berry.

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush are the event's honorary chairmen. Honorary co-chairmen include President William J. Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford and President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.

Since its founding in 1978 by the Davises, the Carousel of Hope has raised over $60 million to date on behalf of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes in Denver, where more than 4,000 youngsters receive specialized care for diabetes. The renowned center will double in size over the next three years.

The Los Angeles chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the American Diabetes Foundation will also benefit from the evening's fund raising.

Along with a silent auction, the evening's program will include a musical performance produced by George Schlatter. David Foster will be the musical director and a committee chaired by Quincy Jones heads the musical program.

Major sponsors for the October 15 event are Toys "R" Us, Chopard USA, LifeScan, Eli Lilly & Company, McDonough Foundation, Saks Fifth Avenue, General Motors/Cadillac, Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton, American Airlines, The Walt Disney Company and Guess? Inc.