2008 “CONCERN” BLOCK PARTY
40 MILLION IN 40 YEARS!
By Marilyn Anderson
The Concern Foundation just celebrated its 40th year in funding Cancer Research worldwide. What began as a local organization by 14 families, is now a major fundraising group that has raised over 40 million dollars!
This year’s 34 th Annual Block Party was held July 12th on the back lot of Paramount Studios. The Spirit of Concern Award was presented to humanitarian Avi Lerner, one of the most accomplished and successful filmmakers in the industry. He is currently the co-owner and co-chairperson of Nu Image and Millennium Pictures. Avi has over 270 films to his credit including the box office smash Rambo starring Sylvester Stallone. One of his recent films is Black Dahlia, starring Scarlett Johnansson, Hilary Swank and Josh Hartnett, and directed by Brian De Palma. Some of his other recent releases include The Contract starring Morgan Freeman and John Cusack, and Lonely Hearts, starring John Travolta, Salma Hayek, Jared Leto and James Gandolfini.
The award was initiated to honor the memory of Beverly Wolman who was a founding member and the inspiration behind Concern. Her husband and daughters spoke to a packed audience at the event.
All kinds of food booths lined the back lot, serving savory bites and tasty delights from over 50 restaurants and caterers, such as 3 on Fourth, Blue on Blue at Avalon, Fogo de Chao, Il Cielo, Il Moro, Lawry’s Catering, La Provence Patisserie & Café, and even Pink’s Famous Hotdogs.
There were four stages of musical entertainment, dancing and performances by the
starsof BEATLEMANIA. Additionally, casino style gaming for prizes was sponsored by the Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Guests could choose from 200 different packages from a Silent Auction. Among the offerings during the Live Auction – fantastic trips to New York City, Vegas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and a marvelous getaway to St. Moritz, Switzerland!
All told, the evening brought in $1.5 million for the Concern Foundation.
This is an annual event, so you won’t get another chance to attend the Block Party till next year – but visit the Concern website to see how you can help fund cancer research, and get involved in this worthy organization and its important cause.
Concern Foundation
8383 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 337
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone (323) 852-9844; Fax (323) 852-9873
info@concernfoundation.org
