2019 ANNUAL REPORT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends and Cherished Supporters, Concern Foundation is an extraordinary organization supported by individuals like you because the words “you have cancer” still evoke fear in each of us every single day. Thanks to our driven board, tremendous volunteers and dedicated supporters, we have raised and granted millions of dollars to fund cancer research across our country and around the world with practically every single cent of every dollar raised being used to support cancer research. Since our founding in 1968, Concern Foundation has remained focused and fully invested in the growing careers of young innovative researchers within the field of cancer immunology and that the immune system, once understood, would someday be used to treat and control cancer. Today, we have the proof that your investment and our belief was correct and that “someday” is today! One of my greatest joys as the President of Concern is to watch great ideas take root and grow. Concern remains steadfast in our commitment to funding cutting edge projects. Our Scientific Review Committee, comprised of the best and brightest cancer specialists, provides expertise and guidance to further our commitment to fund the next generation of groundbreaking cancer researchers. It is because of them and donors like you that make these discoveries possible. Your continued support is critical in our efforts to conquer cancer. On behalf of our board and especially the researchers we are funding, I am truly grateful for your continued support that allows us to fund the important cancer breakthroughs made by our brilliant cancer research scientists. I am 100% confident that someday soon we never have to hear the words “you have cancer” and Concern will be put out of business because we have conquered this insidious disease. Sincerely, Derek Alpert President CONCERN FOUNDATION 2018 – 2020 CONQUER CANCER NOW GRANT RECIPIENTS Lukas Edward Dow Ph.D. Targeting cancer-specific vulnerabilities in the WNT pathway Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University Colon Cancer Using precision medicine to tailor therapy Using novel inhibitors specifically in cancers rendered more sensitive due to a mutation. Moshe Elkabets Ph.D. Underlying the molecular mechanisms of resistance of PI3Ka in ovarian cancer Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Ovarian Cancer - Molecular Mechanisms Understanding why some ovarian cancers develop resistance to inhibitors of a key pathway, PI3K. Robert Babak Faryabi Ph.D. Notch-driven Epigenetic Program of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Breast Cancer Epigenetic mechanisms Breast Cancer Understand how key tumor-promoting genes contribute to triple negative breast cancer, using cutting edge genomics and machine learning in order to target vulnerability points. Lydia Finley Ph.D. p53-driven a-ketoglutarate accumulation promotes tumor suppression Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Pancreatic Cancer & Cancer Metabolism Loss of p53, an important tumor suppressor, causes abnormal metabolism. Turns out that this altered metabolism actually contributes to pancreatic cancer growth. This application will investigate the mechanism of how the altered metabolism contributes to pancreatic cancer growth. Malay Haldar MD., PhD. Targeting tumor-infiltrating antigen presenting cells for immunotherapy The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Malignant Sarcoma & Immune evasion by cancer Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A that can be used in treatment of some cancers, may be involved in regulating the ways cancer evades immune detection and elimination. This grant will examine how this happens. Tae-Hee Kim Ph.D. Epigenetic mechanisms of gastric tumorigenesis The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) Gastric (i.e. stomach) Cancer Epigenetics Define the mechanism that regulates abnormal DNA folding during the first steps towards stomach cancer. Antonis Kourtidis Ph.D. The Adherens Junctions orchestrate a tumor suppressing program via RNAi Medical University of South Carolina Colon Cancer/miRNA Examine how normal colon architecture is disrupted by microRNAs to cause colon cancer. Philip Kranzusch Ph.D. Mechanism of human cGAS–DNA recognition and antitumor immune activation Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Any Cancer/Immunotherapy Understanding mechanism that regulates recognition of tumor, which later leads to detection of the tumor and its destruction. Selma Masri Ph.D. Circadian Sphingosine Signaling mediates Tumor/Host Crosstalk The Regents of the University of California (Irvine) Lung Cancer and the environment effect on cancer Understanding the mechanism of the pro-tumor effect of circulating factors that are highly dependent on day/night cycles Sara Meyer Ph.D. Deciphering Non-Coding RNA Signaling in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Thomas Jefferson University Leukemia (AML) Effect of epigenetics on Non-coding RNAs Effect of epigenetics on microRNA that drives AML. Anoop Patel M.D. Modeling intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma using brain organoids University of Washington Brain Cancer (glioblastoma) Tumor microenvironment modeling tumor heterogeneity through ‘mini-brain’ models Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta Ph.D. Role of IL35 in immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy resistance Modulation of immune responses Boyang Wu Ph.D. Dissecting stromal signals to target prostate cancer microenvironment Washington State University Prostate Cancer/Tumor Microenvironment Try to target normal stromal cells to block the support they provide to the tumor cells in the cross talk between them in prostate cancer Yanzhong Yang M.D., Ph.D. Targeting Metabolic Pathways in Breast Cancer Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope Breast Cancer/Tumor Metabolism Understanding and targeting the mechanism that leads to abnormal tumor metabolism in breast cancer. Franklin Zhong Ph.D. Pharmacologic inflammasome activation to treat SCCs Institute of Medical Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, A*STAR (Singapore) Skin Cancer & Cancer cell death mechanism Investigation of a molecular switch that regulates tumor cell death and antitumor immune response, and testing novel drugs that activate that switch. Anat Erdreich-Epstein, MD, PhD Novel Molecular Mechanism(s) of PID1 Function in Pediatric Brain Tumors The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Pediatric Brain Tumors Troy McEachron, PhD, assistant professor of research in the Department of Translational Genomics at Keck Medicine of USC. Dr. McEachron’s research focuses on two areas within adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer: 1) the utilization of cutting- edge approaches to better define the molecular characteristics of sarcomas to enable more precise treatment strategies, and 2) the use of DNA and RNA sequencing technologies to identify and investigate the developmental and therapeutic aspects of sarcomas that predominantly arise in the pediatric and AYA populations Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Owen N. Witte, MD Director Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles Biomedical field’s understanding of prostate cancer metastasis. Over the last year, we have made significant progress developing and optimizing our research approach so that we can expose the process of metastasis and develop strategies to halt progression. Prostate Cancer Adam de Smith, PhD Center for Genetic Epidemiology, USC Keck School of Medicine. Second malignancies in breast cancer survivors: deciphering the genetic risk. Targeted sequencing of predisposition genes in 475 breast cancer survivors with second primary cancers to assess frequency of rare germline mutations. The contribution of common genetic variants to risk of second primary cancers in breast cancer survivors. Breast Cancer RAISING FUNDS & AWARENESS FOR CANCER RESEARCH On Saturday, July 13th 2019, Concern Foundation for Cancer Research successfully produced its 45th Annual Block Party on the backlot of Paramount Studios in Hollywood featuring multiple stages of live entertainment, casino style games, live and silent auctions, and food, desserts and beverages from over 70 of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and caterers. Themed this year as California Dreaming to Conquer Cancer, the highly anticipated event hosted approximately 4,000 guests, successfully raising $1.8 million for cancer research through ticket sales, donations and bids on auction items. Through this annual event, Concern has raised over $68 Million Dollars in salary support to 800 gifted cancer scientists studying cancer. This year, in honor of their lifetime of contribution and efforts in support of the Concern Foundation, Judy Carroll, Lexy & John Carroll & the Carroll Family were awarded with the Lifetime of Giving Award. The successful event was led by the Concern office staff, a team of volunteers and designed once again by John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals. The backlot streets were filled with over 70 food and beverage vendors including notable classics such as Vibrato Grill + Jazz, Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, The Urban Oven, Oak Smoke BBQ, STK Los Angeles, Button Mash, La Boheme, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Company, Mykie’s, Buzz Bar, DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Porta Via, Stonefire Grill, Bar Hayama, El Floridita Cuban Supper Club, Giacomino Drago Group of Restaurants, Gyu- Kaku, Jayde’s Market, Micoo Mochi Ice Cream, Wurstküche, Factor’s Famous Deli, Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food, and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs just to name a few. This year’s event also featured The Garagiste Festival Micro-Winery Tastings area, Nuda Tequila, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Asahi Beer U.S.A., Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, Humboldt Distillery, Buzz Box, Reed’s Ginger Brews, The Macallan, COKE Products and Dulce Vida Tequila. Plenty of musical and interactive entertainment were held on multiple stages featuring the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound with MC Dwayne, Paul McDonald Group and The MudBug Brass Band. Other event highlights included limited edition poster giveaways sponsored by A Good Print, Island Ink airbrushed tattoos, Foto Spark services, Vita Perfetta creative experiences, spa services provided by Beauty Bus Foundation and a Ferris Wheel which guests enjoyed throughout the night. For the 15th year in a row, Los Angeles Magazine has been Concern Foundation’s media partner and in their long-lasting relationship, has donated nearly $350,000 to Concern Foundation to help conquer cancer. This year their “The Best of LA 2019®” on Los Angeles Magazine’s street featured relaxing lounge furnished by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, photo booths by INFINITI, treats and beverages from ArcLight Cinemas, Seedlip, and Don Francisco’s Coffee, DJ dancing and much more. RAISING FUNDS & AWARENESS FOR CANCER RESEARCH Team Concern Raised over $225,000 for the LA Marathon and LA Big 5K! Concern Foundation joined the Los Angeles Marathon as an official charity for the tenth consecutive year, and is thrilled to announce a record-breaking $225,000 was raised! We’re so proud of Team Concern and all of the athletes who tirelessly trained and fundraised on our behalf. It was amazing to see over 90 Team Concern runners and walkers complete the LA Big 5K on March 23, and over 10 Team Concern runners participate at the LA Marathon and Charity Challenge on March 24. A special thank you to our partners, the Beauty Bus Foundation and the Kevin Cordasco: Something Yellow Foundation! We wouldn’t have been able to have such a successful event without their partnership and support. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) Golf Tournament Raises $115,000 for Concern On November 4th, it was once again our staff’s pleasure to represent Concern Foundation as the beneficiary of the annual CLA Golf Tournament in beautiful Santa Clarita. Being our fifth year, we were delighted that the final tally of $115,000 once again surpassed the previous year’s tournament’s fundraising for cancer research. The total to date the tournaments have raised over $465,000. The money raised by the golf tournament will be granted by Concern to several different research projects in Los Angeles including a brain tumor research project at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, led by Dr. Anat Epstein, The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program (AYA@USC) at USC’s Keck Medical Center, and the Stem Cell Research Center at UCLA. Thank you partners Steve Asher & Ken Miles and all of the generous golfers and friends of CLA for supporting Concern and some very important cancer research projects in Los Angeles. COMMUNITY EVENTS Concern’s Annual Holiday Party On December 15, Concern Foundation held its 32nd annual Holiday Party for pediatric cancer patients. Over 600 pediatric cancer patients and their family members enjoyed an exclusive screening of Arctic Dogs, followed by a party filled with candy and delicious food, fun activities, real falling snow, pictures with Santa, and a bag filled with toys for each family. They also got to get some extra love and kisses from some four-legged therapy friends! A big thank you to everyone who supported the party with toy donations and volunteer hours. A special thanks to our amazing participants: Beauty Bus Foundation, Buca Di Beppo, Factor’s Famous Deli, Fresh Brothers, Hippeas, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Robeks, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Kind Snacks, 3D Cheeze, John Ferdenzi, Town and Country Event Rentals, Drew Hester and Modern Illumination Productions, D’City Sound and Event Production, NBC/Universal Women’s Network, Chris Siddens and EFX, Brian Kramer Photography, Paramount Studios, and, of course, Santa Claus! You all made this a very special day for these families! Concern Foundation’s Partnership with Beauty Bus Foundation Concern Foundation was presented with the Rosenson Family Beauty Buddy of the Year Award at Beauty Bus Foundation’s Annual Volunteer Recognition event for our commitment to providing funding for their pop-up salons, as well as volunteering at their events. Thanks to the money raised at the LA Marathon and 5K, Concern has funded 12 Beauty Bus Foundation pop-up salons since January 2019 which have totaled to 783 complimentary beauty and grooming services for cancer patients, family members and caregivers at local hospitals. In addition to partnering up for the LA Marathon and 5K, Concern Foundation and Beauty Bus Foundation organized four Virtual Drag Queen Bingo events and a virtual cooking class with Elana Horwich which helped raised over $10,000 during the COVID-10 pandemic. Concern Now’s Drag Queen Bingo Night at Hamburger Mary’s On September 15, Concern Now hosted their first Drag Queen Bingo Night at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood. Presale tickets were sold out and the restaurant was jam-packed to capacity. It was a night of crazy bingo filled with laughter and cheekiness with fabulous prizes given to the win-ners. Concern raised over $4,600 from ticket sales and from the live auction! Everyone had so much fun that next year’s date has already been set – September 13, 2020! A special thank you to Concern Now Co-chairs Allie Lehrman and Michelle Massi for leading this event. CONCERN FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION DECEMBER 31, 2019 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,565,519 Pledges Receivable 496,579 Investments, at Fair Value 3,393,776 Beneficial Interest in Charitable Remainder Trusts 252,920 Endowment Investments 1,920,372 Other Assets 37,088 Total Current Assets 7,666,254 NONCURRENT ASSETS Pledges Receivable - Long Term Portion 320,200 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 4,413 Total Assets $ 7,990,867 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $ 22,973 Accrued Expenses 46,413 Grants Payable 550,000 Deferred Revenue 1,018,719 Total Current Liabilities 1,638,105 NET ASSETS Without Donor Restrictions: Undesignated 2,843,078 Designated by the Board for Operating Reserve 1,140,000 Invested in Property and Equipment 4,413 Total Without Donor Restrictions 3,987,491 With Donor Restrictions: Purpose Restrictions 444,899 Perpetual in Nature 1,920,372 Total With Donor Restrictions 2,365,271 Total Net Assets 6,352,762 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 7,990,867 CONCERN FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 Without Donor With Donor Restrictions Restrictions 2019 REVENUE AND PUBLIC SUPPORT Public Support Special Events $ 2,063,584 $ 75,287 $ 2,138,871 Contributions 2,058,267 135,000 2,193,267 Campaign 13,510 - 13,510 Investment Gain (Loss) 326,269 72,000 398,269 Interest and Dividend Income 105,099 105,099 Partnership Investment Income 93,193 - 93,193 Change in Value of Charitable Remainder Trusts - 20,021 20,021 Net Assets Released from Restrictions: Satisfaction of Purpose 329,269 (329,269) - TOTAL REVENUE AND PUBLIC SUPPORT 4 ,989,191 (26,961) 4,962,230 EXPENSES Program Services 1 ,345,760 - 1,345,760 General and Administrative 179,612 - 179,612 Fundraising 389,310 - 389,310 Cost of Direct Donor Benefits 476,179 - 476,179 TOTAL EXPENSES 2,390,861 - 2,390,861 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 2 ,598,330 (26,961) 2,571,369 NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,389,161 2,392,232 3,781,393 NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $ 3,987,491 $ 2,365,271 $ 6,352,762 2019 CONCERN FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE BOARD Ilyse Teller, Chair Derek Alpert, President Nancy Eisenstadt, Vice Chair Michael Firestein, Secretary/Legal Counsel Marc Lauter, Chief Financial Officer Anne Barnett Bill Barnett Harvey Beesen Shelby Blecker Nancy Blecker Barry Brucker Sue Brucker John Carroll Lexy Carroll Carla Daly David Entin Steve Fortner Lynne Fox Steve Freed Jim Freedman Robert Goldman Lorene Goldman Aliza Goldsmith Noah Goldsmith Jackie Gottlieb Caroline and Farhad Hanasab Allie Lehrman Max Liszt Marc Luber Eric Massi Michelle Massi Ian Metrose Lauri Metrose Frank Mottek Jessica Nicastro Tom Nogradi Wendy Nogradi Joyce Powell Rick Powell Debbie Powell Laurie Resch Dana Schwartz Courtney Teller Steve Teller Bettina Tendler O’Mara Steve Ullman Briana Vickers Scott Vickers Myrna Zimmerman Stanley Zimmerman GET INVOLVED WITH CONCERN FOUNDATION Concern Foundation has raised over $68 Million to fund cancer research through donations from individuals like yourself! Help us CONquer canCER Now. • Make a monetary donation today. • Become an Annual Sponsor and enjoy sponsorship benefits • Send a tribute in honor or in memory of someone special • Be a part of our signature Block Party fund raising event • Start your own fundraiser • Be a part of Team Concern by participating in the LA marathon or another athletic event or activity of your choice • Take steps to create a planned gift • Donate your time and expertise by volunteering • Get your place of business involved and become a community partner or corporate sponsor • Help spread the word about Concern Foundation Each year, 14 million men, women, and children worldwide are diagnosed with some type of cancer. Continued research to find better, smarter, more effective treatments is urgently needed. Only with your help can we continue to fund innovative research and bring breakthrough treatments and “cures” to more cancer patients. CONCERN FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH 11111 West Olympic Blvd. Suite 214 Los Angeles, CA 90064 tel: 310.360.6100 fax: 310.473.8300 info@concernfoundation.org www.concernfoundation.org Please consider Concern Foundation in your estate plan.