Flashing Ferris wheels, carousels, acrobats and dancers accompanied 62 of the city’s top restaurants, wineries and liquor providers as the Concern Foundation raised more than $1 million for cancer research on Sat. July 10, 2010.
The “circus” themed, “Concern Under the Big Top,” 36th Annual Block Party at the back lot of Paramount Studios welcomed about 3,000 donors of all ages, as they poured into the outdoor “New York” set to sample a potpourri of food, beverages and entertainment.
A true block party in every way, the Tom Nolan Band cranked out classic rock and oldies from a full stage. The sprawling space also had a live DJ keeping the other side of the lot grooving. From an extensive silent auction to blackjack and craps tables, the foundation isn’t clowning around when it comes to its mission; fund raising.
“We are hoping that with the auction, donation stations, outstanding pledges and last minute donations we will come close to $1.5 million,” said Katie Vickers, the Concern Foundation’s Director of Donor Relations. “I think we do the best job when playing with the theme.”
With model elephants, stilt walkers and multiple performers, this year’s “circus” theme transformed the lot into three rings of funding. A large silent auction tent offered everything from luxurious travel destinations to entertainment and sports memorabilia. Baskets of cosmetics, appointments with professional stylists, and prestigious dinner reservations were also in the mix. Select bottles of wine were also there for the bidding.
The event’s real attraction is the variety of cuisine. This year, 62 unique LA hotspots transported their kitchens, serving everything from prime rib to hand rolled sushi to swarms of paper plate wielding donors. Mountains of cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and pastries followed the main courses, as Asahi beer, wine and assorted mixed drinks washed down the main course.
Hours of preparation go into organizing the event for a foundation that has been in the community for 42 years.
“The event caters to old blood and new blood,” said Vickers. “It takes about seven months of four people working full time and wonderful volunteers.”
Food vendors also amplify their effort in order to cater the hundreds of pounds of extra food necessary to satisfy hoards of hungry patrons.
“We served about 1,800 (prime rib sandwiches),” said Todd Johnson, the general manager of Lawry’s The Prime Rib, a Beverly Hills icon since 1938.
70-year-old Pink’s Hot Dogs, served 1,400 of their Hollywood staple dogs as well, said Tom West, Pink’s operations manager.
With their restaurants in full swing at their assorted permanent locations, setting up a mobile restaurant requires hours of extra commitment. Regardless, the restaurants are eager to showcase their menu items and donate money towards cancer research as a way of saying a big “thank you” back to the local area.
“It’s worth it. Our owners are very big into the community,” said Johnson.
The Concern Foundation raises and grants funds for worldwide cancer research, using 95 percent of their revenue to pay the salaries of emerging scientists, and those dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. Since 1968, the foundation has raised more than $43 million, and funded 550 cancer researchers.
This is the twelfth consecutive year the Concern Foundation has hosted the block party at Paramount Studios, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif. This year, 13 new restaurants were included, all donating money towards the cause.
Cancer research’s biggest block party continues to connect the LA community’s affinity for flavor and generosity. To get involved or donate to Concern Foundation visit their website: www.concernfoundation.org
The Concern Foundations Block Party is a fabulous event raising over $1million dollars for cancer researchers every year.