Concern Foundation for cancer research held its 44th Annual Block Party on the backlot of Paramount Studios in Hollywood on the foundation’s 50th anniversary. Themed this year as Cancer Crusaders, the sold-out event hosted more than 4,000 guests, successfully raising $1.8 million for cancer research through ticket sales, donations and bids on auction items.
All guests had a chance to experience over 70 restaurants, caters, and beverage vendors including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fogo de Chao, Dulan’s Soul Food, Button Mash, Fresh Brother’s Pizza and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. The night was filled with interactive entertainment such as casino-style gaming, a celebrity bar, the original TV Batmobile, and live and iconic Super Hero “streetmosphere”. Additionally, guests enjoyed multiple lounges, photo booths, food stations, beauty treatments and more!
As a focal point for the evening’s festivities, the live presented guests with the option to bid on prizes including VIP tickets to a taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, VIP tickets to the 2018 American Music Awards, a six-night vacation in Maui, and Dodger Dugout seats. Following the auction, John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals was honored with the Spirit of Concern award. The foundation also honored Dr. Jay and Kris Calvert as this year’s “Cancer Crusaders” for their participation in helping to conquer cancer through research.
Concern Foundation’s mission is to conquer cancer by providing essential funds to support the early, yet critical, stages of discovery. With 90-95% of net proceeds going directly to research, Concern Foundation has made significant strides toward bridging a major gap in research funding by focusing its grants on young, innovative researchers with breakthrough ideas. Since its inception in 1968, Concern has raised and awarded $63 million to 750 gifted cancer scientists around the world.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Marselle Washington, Marco Imagery
