Concern Foundation Celebrated 50 Years of Research at 44th Annual Block Party

Photos by Karen Ostlund      #ConcernBlockParty  #ConcernFoundation  # ConcernNow

Incredible HULK at Concern Foundation 44th Annual Block Party

Last Saturday, July 14th, nearly 4,000 supporters filled the streets of the New York backlot at Paramount Pictures Studios when the Concern Foundation celebrated 50 Years of Super Heroes: Researchers, Donors and Volunteers.
2018 marked Concern’s 50th year and Concern has since awarded over $60 million dollars in salary support to over 750 cancer researchers in total.

The event was led by event chair Lexy Carroll and a team of volunteers and designed once again by (center) John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals, who received the Spirit of Concern Award 2018 by (right) Concern President Derek Alpert and Lisi Teller, Executive Chair Concern  Foundation.

Concern Foundation 44th Annual Block Party on the back lot of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood  brought in $1.8 million, which 90-95% of net proceeds went directly to research.

Concern Foundation honored members of the community that have provided a significant change towards the fight against cancer. This year, the foundation honored Dr. Jay & Kris Calvert (photo above) and family as this year’s “Cancer Crusaders” for their participation in helping to conquer cancer through research.
Dr. Jay Calvert, also known as a scientist has been named one of Los Angeles Magazine's “Super Doctors” in 2014, 2015, and 2016.  He has appeared on hit television programs including CBS’s “The Doctors” and OWN’s “Dr. Phil”.  Alongside his wife Kris, Jay has openly shared their personal experience with cancer; having had prostate cancer affect the lives of both their fathers.
The Calvert’s 10 year old son Ace was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 4 and while today he has beaten his cancer, ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) can always return and he is never truly cured.  This is a major reason he and his family feels so strongly about raising money to help find a permanent cure.
“It’s truly an honor for Concern Foundation to recognize the Calvert family as this year’s Cancer Crusader honorees for their commitment to helping provide salary support for cancer researchers and for sharing their personal story.” said Derek Alpert, Concern’s President.

Performances behind bar at 44th Annual Concern block party

Tom Nolan Band played well-known tunes all night

Casino Games behind main stage at 44th Annual Concern

Restaurant Il Pastaio at 44th Annual Concern

SITK Kitchen at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

KABUKI at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

Fogo de Chao BBQ at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

The Paramount Studios backlot streets were filled with over 75 food and beverage vendors under the direction of Nancy Eisenstadt, Megan Mulcahy and Whitney Carroll including LA restaurants as  Vibrato Grill Jazz, Ocean Prime,It Pastaio, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Urban Oven, The Palm, Kabuki, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, SITK,  and many more. Musical and interactive entertainment were held on multiple stages and various locations including photo studios, casino style games and SPA services were provided by the Beauty Bus Foundation.

Bat mobile at DJ James dance floor at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

The evening Master of Ceremonies was KNX1070 News radio’s Frank Mottek and A/V Masters donated all of the audio and visual components.

Infiniti 2019 QX50 outside silent auction

Karen Ostlund w/ Concern's Superheroes at Brian Kramer's photo-booth

One of the highlights of the evening was silent and live auction under the direction of this year’s auction chairs Lynne Fox, Wendi Nogradi, Courtney Teller and Madeline Rose. Live and silent auction items and packages included one-of-a-kind opportunities, concert and event tickets, restaurants, stay cations, golf packages and the 15 feet Spider Man climbing down the Paramount Studio's building.

The 15 feet inflatable SPIDER MAN went for $600 at Concern live auction.