%20WHITE.png)
Race to Erase MS Raises Over $1.8 Million With Performances From Ty Dolla $ign, Rachel Platten, and Richie Sambora
- Victoria Pfeifer
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The fight to end multiple sclerosis took center stage in Los Angeles as the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala brought together some of entertainment's biggest names for an unforgettable evening of fundraising, advocacy, and live performances.
Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza on June 5, the annual event raised more than $1.8 million to support Race to Erase MS and its groundbreaking Center Without Walls program, a collaborative research initiative focused on advancing treatments and ultimately finding a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Hosted by television personality Jesse Palmer, the evening honored Disney Entertainment Television Communications Executive Vice President Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul with the organization's prestigious Medal of Hope.
Recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and resilience while living with MS, Bulochnikov-Paul delivered an emotional acceptance speech encouraging those facing uncertainty to choose strength over fear.
Founded by longtime MS advocate Nancy Davis, Race to Erase MS has become one of the most influential fundraising organizations supporting neurological research. Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has helped raise more than $58 million and contributed to research efforts that have resulted in over 25 FDA-approved therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Entertainment remained at the heart of the evening, with performances from seven-time Grammy-nominated artist Ty Dolla $ign, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Richie Sambora, and Emmy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rachel Platten.
Dancing with the Stars professionals Alan Bersten and Emma Slater opened the gala with a captivating dance performance before guests enjoyed a runway presentation from luxury fashion brand L'AGENCE.
Ty Dolla $ign energized the room with crowd favorites including "Paranoid," "Psycho," "Don't Kill The Party," and "Carnival." Later in the evening, Sambora delivered powerful renditions of Bon Jovi classics "Livin' on a Prayer" and "I'll Be There for You" alongside David Osmond. Platten followed with inspiring performances of "Stand By You," "Set Me Free," and her global anthem "Fight Song."
The event drew an impressive guest list featuring Ashley Benson, Carmen Electra, Food God, Chandra Wilson, Diane Warren, Jane Seymour, Jenna Dewan, Kathy Hilton, Montana Tucker, Stassi Schroeder, Tia Carrere, Virginia Madsen, Jonathan Cheban, and many more from across entertainment, fashion, and media.
One of the evening's most anticipated moments came during the luxury live auction, where attendees bid on exclusive experiences ranging from private yacht charters in the Bahamas and luxury Tuscan villa escapes to Aspen getaways and New York Fashion Week experiences. Addressing the crowd, Davis reflected on how far MS research has come since launching the foundation more than three decades ago.
"When I started this journey, doctors told me there was nothing we could do for MS," Davis shared. "Today, there are over 25 FDA-approved therapies because of the generosity and determination of this community. But we're not finished until every person living with MS is healed."
The gala concluded with Race to Erase MS's signature performance of "Lean On Me," bringing performers and attendees together in a moving finale that underscored the organization's mission of hope, unity, and continued progress toward a cure.
As Race to Erase MS enters its 33rd year, the organization continues to fund innovative research through partnerships with leading institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, USC, Johns Hopkins, and UCSF, helping push the search for a cure forward one breakthrough at a time.