Pop Star Usher to Headline Diabetes Foundation's 2015 Carousel Ball in Denver

Graham Daugherty • August 10, 2015

August 10, 2015nBy Caitlin HendeenOriginally published by the Denver Business Journal. Click here to read the original article.

The more than 1,000 attendees at this year’s Carousel Ball, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s annual fundraising event, will be entertained by pop star and “The Voice” judge Usher.


The Oct. 2 event at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center will benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, established in Denver in 1977 by Barbara Davis and her late husband Marvin after learning their 7-year-old daughter had Type 1 diabetes.


Barbara Davis will be joined by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, as well as philanthropists Nancy Davis and Ken Rickel and A. Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld at the ball.

A man in a black shirt and leather shorts is standing in front of a brick wall

John and Paige Elway will he honored with the High Hopes Tribute Award for their humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.


Usher is an eight-time Grammy Award winner who has sold over 65 million albums worldwide. Known for such hit songs as “Nice,” “OMG,” “Love In This Club” and “U Got It Bad,” Usher was named by Billboard the second most successful recording artist of the 2000s decade.


He has also been honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Trumpet Foundation, Do Something and the NAACP and as the 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar for his philanthropic efforts.


Record producer, composer and songwriter David Foster will emcee the event. The Carousel Ball is held every other year in Denver.


The Children’s Diabetes Foundation has raised $80 million to date, and is noted for never turning away a patient with diabetes.


Tickets and tables are available. Interested parties should contact Amanda Garrett at (303) 863-1200 or Amanda@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.

Caitlin Hendee is digital producer and social engagement manager for the Denver Business Journal and covers education. Email: chendee@bizjournals.com. Phone: 303-803-9226.

A woman is doing a split with the words if i can just inspire one person
By Sasha Amiscaray April 15, 2026
TL;DR After 15 years of living with type 1 diabetes, Sasha shares her journey from diagnosis and denial to acceptance, advocacy, and a career in healthcare. Through challenges like fear of injections, managing diabetes as an athlete, and navigating school and college, she discovered strength, community, and purpose. Her story shows that while diabetes is difficult, it can also shape identity, open doors, and lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
A black and white photo of a person with an insulin pump on their stomach
By Dr. Holly O'Donnell April 3, 2026
Type 1 diabetes affects mental health in youth and families. Learn about risks like depression, anxiety, and distress, plus support options and when to seek help.
A young boy in a white sweater is standing next to a cabinet.
By R. Paul Wadwa, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at the BDC April 2, 2026
Type 1 diabetes is often misdiagnosed as flu, UTI, or viral illness. Learn key symptoms, DKA warning signs, and when to ask your doctor for testing to avoid delays.
Author and type 1  diabetic Madeline in a research lab
By Madeline VanOrman March 20, 2026
Follow one patient’s journey with type 1 diabetes from childhood diagnosis to college life, sharing challenges, independence, and finding support along the way.
A cartoon illustration of a white monster with horns waving.
By Cheryl Lebsock March 18, 2026
A parent shares how naming type 1 diabetes “Frank” and reframing it helped protect their child’s identity, improve mental health, and strengthen family support.
Three young type 1 girls with CGMs on their arms.
By CDF Staff March 18, 2026
Donate your Colorado state tax refund to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Learn how to use form DR 0104CH to support T1D patients and families.
Young girl with her blood glucose monitor and insulin pump
By Hali Broncucia, Research Scientist at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes March 16, 2026
Learn the three stages of type 1 diabetes and why early screening matters, including how detection can reduce DKA risk and delay onset with new therapies.
A group of people are posing for a picture in a living room.
By Stacy Robinson June 14, 2024
With Father’s Day just around the corner, I am thinking about my dad even more than I usually do. He was a special man who lived a remarkable, impactful life right up until the day he passed away at the age of 98, a little over a year and a half ago. He was a decorated World War II veteran, a bookie in Vegas during the Rat Pack era who married the love of his life between rounds of a prize fight, and who later went on to become a successful entrepreneur. Most importantly though, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
A man and a woman are posing for a picture in a parking lot.
By Lindsay Klatt June 14, 2024
Author: Lindsay Klatt Being the dad of two daughters already has its highs and lows; having one of them (who admittedly was already a little feisty) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes makes him a saint. My wonderful dad navigated these challenges with such love and grace. As we approach Father’s Day and as I recently celebrated my 27th Diaversary, I reflect on the things he deserves to be thanked for. There are too many to count and no way to properly express gratitude for the additional struggles type 1 fathers face, but here’s a toast to a few of the things etched on my heart: Cheers to my dad who, when I was diagnosed, had the best balance of acknowledging the sadness of the event and being encouraging for the future. It made me feel seen to see him upset, and to see him determined. He has always maintained that balance I am so grateful for.