A Night of Fun and Purpose at the 50th Annual Concern Foundation Block Party
Saturday night in Hollywood was nothing short of spectacular as the Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party transformed Paramount Studios’ backlot into a vibrant playground for a cause. With the theme “GAME ON! Together Let’s Beat Cancer,” this milestone celebration proved that fighting cancer can be both meaningful and magnificently fun.
The Ultimate Playground For a Cause
Walking through the gates felt like stepping into a life-sized board game wonderland. The giant Twister board at the entrance immediately set the playful tone, while Mario and Luigi roamed the streets greeting guests with infectious energy. The attention to detail was incredible – from the Dungeons and Dragons section filled with giant figurines to the casino-style gaming tables that had everyone trying their luck for a good cause.
But let’s talk about the real stars of the night: the food and drinks. Over 90 top-tier restaurants showcased their finest creations, making it impossible to choose where to start. The cocktail scene was equally impressive, with specialty drinks and premium spirits flowing throughout the evening. Every sip and bite felt like a celebration of Los Angeles’ incredible culinary scene.
Entertainment That Keeps the Energy High
The entertainment kept the energy high all night long. The Tom Nolan Band had the Main Stage rocking, while D’ City Sound & Events and The Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage featuring the Jason Goldstein Sextet with Lilli Passero provided the perfect soundtrack for dancing under the stars. The variety of musical performances ensured there was something for everyone’s taste.
What made the evening even more special were the unique experiences scattered throughout the event. The spa services provided by Fairmont Spa Century Plaza offered a luxurious respite, while the Beauty Bus Foundation’s glamour makeovers had guests feeling red-carpet ready. Photo opportunities were endless – from professional photo booths to Instagram-worthy installations that captured the night’s magic perfectly.
Honoring Champions of the Fight Against Cancer
The event beautifully honored longtime sponsors and philanthropists Lisi and Steve Teller, while celebrating Special Lifetime Achievement Honoree Dr. Alexandra M. Levine for her outstanding contributions to cancer research. It was a powerful reminder that behind all the fun and festivities, this event serves a vital mission.
A Celebration of Unity and Purpose
With over 4,000 guests coming together to raise critical funds for cancer research, the night proved that Los Angeles knows how to party with purpose. The 50th anniversary celebration was everything you’d expect from Hollywood’s premier charity event – glamorous, delicious, entertaining, and deeply meaningful.
As the evening wound down and guests reluctantly headed home, one thing was clear: the Concern Foundation has created something truly special. Here’s to 50 more years of fighting cancer in style! Until next year’s event, we’ll be counting down the days to see how they top this incredible milestone celebration.
About the Concern Foundation
In 1968, fifteen Los Angeles-based couples came together with one simple goal: CONquer CanCER Now! They wanted to ensure their dollars counted in the fight against cancer when their dear friend, Beverly Wolman, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. They could no longer sit back and continue losing friends to this horrific disease. Thus, the Concern Foundation’s war on cancer had begun.
Though cancer research is a broad field, the Concern Foundation focuses its funding in the areas of immunology, immunotherapy, genetics, and cell biology. These are the basic building blocks needed to achieve a better understanding of a cell’s function and mis-function within the human body for both adults and children. By targeting talented post-doctoral scientists and providing crucial salary support for innovative projects, the Concern Foundation bridges the gap in the scientific research community. The knowledge gained from these young research scientists will lead to future treatments and early diagnosis and eventually stop this insidious disease.
To accomplish the organization’s humanitarian mission, the Concern Foundation depends on a local, national, and international network of donors. There are countless individuals, local businesses, and corporations who provide generous support each year. With an administrative overhead of less than 10%, the Concern Foundation has been able to grant millions of dollars to research projects throughout the cancer research community locally, nationally, and abroad. Thanks to a strong and ever-growing core of multi-generational volunteers, the Concern Foundation continues to thrive as an independent source of funding for cancer research. Additionally, biennial meetings of a peer-to-peer Scientific Review Committee ensure that only the strongest and most promising research is funded.
The Concern Foundation’s mission is clear: to ensure that every dollar raised is used to identify the cause of and eventual cure for this devastating disease. To learn more about the Concern Foundation or to donate, visit https://www.concernfoundation.org/donate-now.
