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1. New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves

2. 6 New Venues for Los Angeles Holiday Parties

3. $4 Million MOCA Gala Breaks Fund-Raising Records

4. Us Weekly Takes to Voyeur With Scantily Clad Models, Burlesque Feel

5. American Music Awards Begin With Redesigned Arrivals, End With Downsized After-Party

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FROM NEW YORK

Morgan Loft Penthouse: Temporary Venue for Holiday Season

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News Archive for Next Models

EVENT REPORT 05.12.09 4:09 PM

Internships and a $270,000 Sports Car Contribute to Race to Erase MS Gala's $2 Million Take

The Race to Erase MS gala
Photo: Kevin Winter/Wireimage.com

What recession? Some people were likely wondering that during the live auction portion of the 16th annual Race to Erase MS gala Friday evening, as a 2009 Lamborghini LP 560-4 Spyder brought in an arresting $270,000. The black sports car, the first model delivered to the U.S., customized with accents in the charity’s signature orange, was part of the extensive array of auction items Hollywood blue blood Nancy Davis was able to attract for the benefit she co-chairs with Tommy Hilfiger. Davis’ event at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza brought in some $2 million—as much as it did in 2008, although this year’s net take for multiple sclerosis research is expected to outstrip last year’s because new sponsors turned out to underwrite more of the event’s cost.

“She’s very well liked and respected in the community,” says Race to Erase MS executive director Liz Seares of the daughter of the late Marvin Davis, a billionaire oilman and former Fox studio head. “Karma comes back to her. She really puts it out there.”

One place the grim economy did make its mark was around the unusually busy silent auction table hawking internships. There concerned parents and friends hovered over the half-dozen work opportunities in fashion, entertainment, and publicity until the auction closed. Jessica Lefever spent $825 on a two-week internship with Next Models for a friend’s fashion-loving son. “I got a text message [from the friend] saying, ‘Please go up to $2,000,’” she said. “It’s difficult to find anything. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.” MORE >>

Race to Erase MS, Davis Family, The Eagles, Michelle Branch, Next Models