Concern Foundation’s 42nd Annual Block Party Raises $1.75 Million for Cancer Research

Jul 13

July 13, 2016 - On Saturday July 9, Concern Foundation for cancer research successfully produced its 42nd annual Block Party, Fields of Dreams for a Cancer Free World, on the backlot of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood. The event saw nearly 4,000 guests and raised $1.75 million for cancer research.

The Block Party was led by event chair Lexy Carroll and a dedicated team of volunteers, and designed by John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals.

The backlot streets were filled with over 75 food and beverage vendors under the direction of Nancy Eisenstadt, Megan Mulcahy and Whitney Carroll, including notable classics such as Button Mash, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, Lawry’s, The Palm, Pink’s Hot Dogs and Urban Oven.

Entertainment included performances on multiple stages by the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound featuring DJ Dwayne, Clinton Davis & Tim McNally, and San Diego Country Club. Frank Mottek once again hit the stage as Master of Ceremonies, and AV Masters provided all of the audio and visual components that truly enhanced the event and presentation throughout the evening.

One of the highlights of the night was the silent and live auction led by auction chairs Lynne Fox, Wendy Nogradi, Courtney Teller and Madeline Rose. Auction items and packages included one-of-a-kind opportunities such as tickets to the 2016 Emmy Awards and Governors Ball; Dodgers up close batting practice; a meet and greet with legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully; an in-home 10-course dinner prepared by Chef Eric Kopelow; and Adele and Barbra Streisand concert tickets. The live auction hosted by Lifestyle & Entertainment Reporter Mar Yvette raised $36,000 and the grand total including the silent auction was over $97,000!

This year the event honored Humanitarians and Community Leaders Dr. Peter and Rebecca Grossman, who established the Grossman Burn Centers and Grossman Burn Foundation. Their efforts to restore the lives of burn survivors through comprehensive treatment and support for patients and their families are truly making a difference throughout the community and across the globe.

Also honored at the event were former Beverly Hills Mayor and wife, Barry and Sue Brucker, who received the inaugural Beth Hersh Goldsmith Conquer Cancer Now Heroes award. The award commemorated their longtime friend and former executive director of Concern, Beth Goldsmith, who passed away last November from cancer. Since 2011, the Brucker family has personally raised more than $3 million, including a $2 million Marion Brucker Legacy gift to further Concern’s mission.

The night further included interactive entertainment such as casino-style games; Brian Kramer digital photography studio sponsored by Honor; Island Ink airbrush tattoos; and salon and spa services provided by Elegance International School of Professional Makeup, Colleen O’Hara’s Beauty Academy, California Healing Arts College, Karyn Laitis, Carmen Romo and LeAnne Velona. The Best of L.A.® on Los Angeles magazine’s street presented the Infiniti Lounge, Equinox recharge station, tastings from California Avocados, Peerless Coffee and a dozen California wineries.

Derek Alpert, Concern Foundation’s president, concluded the event. “Starting from a simple idea and watching it become a reality with thousands of moving parts coming together is a truly remarkable experience, one that sets Concern and our signature Block Party apart from most other organizations in this city,” he said. “It takes a tremendous team comprised of three generations of volunteers and board members to make this event happen and the ultimate reward for all of our efforts is, of course, the money raised for cancer research. Especially this year, as this Block Party was one of our most successful fundraising events yet.”