Friday, May 21, 1999 | 5:07 a.m.
LAS VEGAS - The Hard Rock Hotel kicked off a two-day party Friday to showcase its new $100 million expansion, with dozens of celebrities on hand to raise money in the fight against multiple sclerosis.
Billed as the world's first rock 'n' roll hotel when it opened with 340 rooms in March 1995, the resort has doubled in size with a new 11-story tower.
Owner Peter Morton said the success of the property exceeded his expectations.
"I never take anything for granted," Morton said Friday. "I think that's the most conservative way to approach things."
The hotel has become a major attraction for rock fans from around the world, prompting Morton to begin the expansion two years ago.
With 670 rooms, the hotel is a fraction of the size of some of the city's 3,000- to 5,000-room megaresorts. That's fine with Morton.
"Every day we're working to improve our product, taking care of the customers, which in turn helps Las Vegas," he said. "We're a small hotel, and in some ways, we try harder."
In addition to the new tower, the resort has expanded its beach and pool area, which features two floating craps tables.
A focal point of the weekend's activities is the sixth annual Race to Erase MS. The event, headed by Los Angeles philanthropist Nancy Davis, has raised more than $9 million.
Morton expects to add another $2.5 million to $3 million with a fashion show Friday night by designer Tommy Hilfiger and a silent auction and concert Saturday night featuring Hootie and the Blowfish and Cheap Trick.
Davis, a victim of MS, organized the Race to Erase MS fundraisers six years ago and has previously presented the event in Vail and Aspen, Colo., and in Los Angeles.
"It would be wonderful to celebrate the millennium with a cure for MS," Davis said.
Among the celebrities expected to attend the weekend events are Jon Lovitz, Harry Hamlin, Lisa Rinna, Dana Delany, Joely Fisher, Sidney Poitier, Jennifer Tilly, Tom Arnold, Teri Garr, Cheryl Tiegs, James Woods, David Spade, Paula Abdul, Kim Alexis, David Schwimmer, Wesley Snipes, Daniel Baldwin, Ed McMahon, Wayne Newton, Dennis Rodman, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, John Stamos and Ed Begley Jr.
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