In a notoriously tough year for fund-raising, the Concern Foundation for cancer research managed to exceed its goals and expectations for its 35th annual Block Party benefit on July 11. The event on the New York Street backlot at Paramount Studios raised $1.3 million. "Our fund-raising goal this year was to break $1 million," said Concern president Derek Alpert, who oversaw the event. "It's remarkable. It just shows how, even in tough times, cancer and finding a cure really means a lot to people." (Last year's goal was more than $1.5 million, and Concern achieved it.)
The event honored senior vice president of wealth management for Smith Barney Susan Inwood; child psychiatrist Mary M. Moebius; and interior designer Donna Livingston. Los Angeles magazine was the evening's media partner, helping the organization to raise awareness and secure additional funds from readers and advertisers.
The tasting event included a performance by Billy Vera and the Beaters, casino-style gaming, more than 150 silent auction packages, and a live auction offering trips and vacation packages as well as one-of-a-kind items like a purebred Labrador puppy.
This year, 57 restaurants, caterers, and food and drink providers participated—17 more than last year. "They still donated as generously as they ever have," said Alpert. "They didn't cut back and they didn't ask us to defray some of their costs. We were lucky."
Offerings included La Cachette, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Il Cielo, and Ocean and Vine. Ten hosted bars offered the likes of Dos Lunas tequila, vodka martinis from Stockholm Krystal, and coffee drinks from Pasquini Espresso Company and Intelligentsia.
Another boon to the event was vendor cooperation. "We were afraid the economy was going to affect the event, so we went back to a lot of our vendors and told them that we didn't know what the income was going to be like, so they all need to reduce their fees in anticipation of a softer event," said Alpert. "But I'm happy to say that, financially, that didn't really happen for us. We were down in attendance a bit, but we got more individual donations. It's an interesting thing because you don't know how to forecast in this crazy year."
