Who is Barbara Davis?
A Philanthropist with a Heart for Change
Barbara Davis, a name synonymous with compassion and philanthropy, is a beacon of hope and change in the realm of charitable endeavors. With a legacy deeply rooted in her tireless efforts to combat diabetes, Barbara Davis has become a revered figure for her unwavering dedication to improving lives and fostering a better future.
A New York City Native with a Vision
Born in New York City, Barbara Davis graduated from Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island in 1951. That same year, she married Marvin Davis, and together they moved to Denver, Colorado. It was in Denver where Barbara's philanthropic journey began, and the couple lived there before moving to Beverly Hills, California in 1985. Marvin Davis passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy that Barbara continues to uphold and expand.
Founding the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes
Driven by her daughter, Dana, being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Barbara Davis founded the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes in 1978. The center, based in Aurora, Colorado, has since become one of the leading research and treatment facilities for diabetes in the world. It provides comprehensive care for children and adults with type 1 diabetes, supporting groundbreaking research and fostering innovation in diabetes treatment and prevention.
Championing The Carousel of Hope
In addition to her work with the Barbara Davis Center, Barbara Davis is the visionary behind The Carousel of Hope, a bi-annual event that has become the world's premier charity gala benefiting type 1 diabetes. Since its inception in 1978, The Carousel of Hope has raised over $110 million for diabetes research and treatment programs, attracting the support of Hollywood's elite and business magnates alike.
A Life of Recognition and Impact
Barbara Davis' philanthropic efforts have garnered numerous accolades, reflecting her impactful contributions to society. She is Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and has served on the boards of the Joslin Diabetes Center (Boston, Massachusetts), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, California), and Eisenhower Medical Center (Rancho Mirage, California). She has also been a member of the Blue Ribbon Panel of the Los Angeles Music Center. In November of 1992, Mrs. Davis was honored in New York with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International 1992 Promise Ball Humanitarian Award. In 1995, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of Colorado, and in 2004, she received the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Angel Award in Los Angeles.
Join the Movement
Barbara Davis' journey is one of unwavering dedication and boundless compassion. Explore our website to learn more about her initiatives, upcoming events, and how you can join Barbara Davis in her mission to create a brighter, healthier future for all.
