Celebs, Sequins & $1.5M for a Cure: Inside the Race to Erase MS Gala Gen Z Actually Cares About
- BUZZ LA
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
On May 16, the 32nd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala lit up the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles with glitter, glam, and some serious purpose.
The star-studded night raised over $1.5 million toward groundbreaking research to cure Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that still affects nearly 3 million people worldwide. But this wasn’t just another rich-people-in-gowns fundraiser. This was a culture moment. A vibe. A reason to actually give a sh*t.
Hosted by comedy icon Caroline Rhea, the event featured a stacked lineup of artists like Robin Thicke, A Great Big World, and Siedah Garrett (yes, the legend behind "Man in the Mirror"). Add in a fashion runway from Veronica Beard, some fire looks from guests like Ashley Benson, Tika Sumpter, and Kelly Osbourne, and you’ve got yourself an evening that served lewk and impact.
But make no mistake. This wasn’t about celebrity selfies. It was about community, resilience, and pushing science forward.
So... What’s MS and Why Should I Care?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease where your immune system basically turns against you and attacks the central nervous system. It can cause fatigue, vision loss, and serious mobility issues. There’s no cure yet, but events like this are changing that.
Thanks to Race to Erase MS and their Center Without Walls initiative, a dream team of researchers from schools like UCLA, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins, we now have 24 FDA-approved treatments. That’s not just progress, that’s lives changed.
Highlights That Slayed
Robin Thicke closed the night with a hit-after-hit set (Blurred Lines had the room moving).
A Great Big World performed their heart-wrenching ballad Say Something, and Chad King debuted a powerful new song about living with MS that got a full standing ovation.
Dancing With The Stars pros Daniella Karagach & Pasha Pashkov performed a mesmerizing dance that had everyone low-key swooning.
The always iconic Siedah Garrett sang You Are The Universe, and joined Thelma Houston for a finale of Lean On Me that literally brought the crowd on stage.
Forget wine baskets, this live auction had yacht trips, Aspen vacations, and even an invite to Kathy Hilton’s annual holiday pajama party (yes, that’s a real thing). Luxury, but make it generous.
Why Gen Z Should Care
Because this isn’t just a red carpet moment, it’s real people funding real change. Founder Nancy Davis, who’s lived with MS since she was 33, has made it her mission to not just raise awareness but actually change the outcome. And she’s doing it, with style.
“We all need each other to lean on until we succeed in finding the cause and the ultimate cure for MS,” Davis told the crowd, in a heartfelt speech that felt like more than just words.
This event reminded us that activism can be joyful, fashion-forward, and powerful all at once. So, whether you’re here for the fits, the performances, or the purpose, know this: You can care about the cause and still hit the afterparty.