On Friday, June 5, the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles transformed into a hub of hope and star-studded advocacy for the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala. Hosted by television personality Jesse Palmer, the landmark event raised over $1.8 million to benefit the Race to Erase MS foundation and its revolutionary Center Without Walls program, a collaborative network of top-tier research institutions working together to find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).

The emotional centerpiece of the evening arrived when Nancy Davis, who founded the organization in 1993, took the stage. Reflecting on a time when doctors offered “no hope” for the disease, Davis celebrated a major milestone: the foundation has now raised over $58 million since its inception, contributing directly to the development of more than 25 FDA-approved therapies.

The night also honored Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, Disney Entertainment Television Communications EVP, with the prestigious Medal of Hope. Recognizing her resilience while living with the condition, Bulochnikov-Paul delivered a powerful acceptance speech, urging others facing the uncertainty of MS to step out of isolation. “You can live in fear, or you can live in power,” she told the crowd. “Every day, I choose the latter.”

The celebration seamlessly blended high fashion, philanthropy, and world-class entertainment. Dancing with the Stars professionals Alan Bersten and Emma Slater kicked off the festivities with a captivating dance performance, leading into a chic fashion show presented by luxury apparel brand L’AGENCE. A high-stakes live auction further energized the room, offering exclusive experiences ranging from a Tuscan villa escape to an invitation to Kathy Hilton’s annual Holiday Pajama Party.

The crowd was later treated to an unforgettable lineup of musical performances. Seven-time Grammy nominee Ty Dolla $ign brought immense energy to the stage with hits like “Paranoid” and “Carnival.” Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Richie Sambora followed with acoustic, crowd-pleasing renditions of Bon Jovi classics “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “I’ll Be There for You.” Singer-songwriter Rachel Platten kept the momentum going with an uplifting performance of her global anthem, “Fight Song.”

In a beautiful nods to tradition, the star-studded gala concluded with its signature moving finale: an audience-wide, collaborative performance of “Lean On Me,” uniting researchers, celebrities, and advocates in a shared mission to erase MS for good.

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