Photos by Karen Ostlund
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| Concern's Ferris Wheel behind stage |
(Hollywood, CA) – Last Saturday, July 13, the Concern Foundation for cancer research hosted its 45th Annual Block Party "California Dreaming To Conquer Cancer" on the back-lot of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood.
The event featured multiple stages of live entertainment, casino style games, live and silent auctions, food, desserts and beverages stations from over 70 of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and caterers.
For the first time a carnival ferris wheel was brought in behind stage.
The 45th Annual Concern Block Party was attended by nearly 4,000 guests and raised $1.8 million dollars for cancer research through ticket sales, donations and bids on silent auction items.
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| Concern Foundation "California Dreaming" July 13 2019 |
Broadcaster Frank Mottek made special announcements about the silent auction and activities through out the evening.
Derek Alpert (President of the Concern Foundation) introduced the Lifetime of Giving Award to honor Judy Carroll, Lexy & John Carroll & the Carroll Family for their long involvement and support of 44 years.They insisted it be a family affair with Judy, Lexy, John - all taking part in the activities.
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| Speech by Judy Carroll, Lexy & John Carroll & the Carroll Family |
The Carroll's volunteering started in the early 70’s when they found themselves involved in what would be the first "Block Party" on Rodeo Drive. They were the owners of Carroll & Company and head of the Rodeo Drive merchants association Dick, which secured them permission by the other store owners and the City of Beverly Hills, to close down the street. Their children and Judy’s parents Sylvia and David Weisz all joined in the efforts, which led to the beginning of a long relationship with the Concern and the Carroll Family.
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| Tom Nolan Band at The Concern's block party 2019 |
In 2002, John joined the Concern Board followed by Lexy, and they both served as co-chairs of the organization’s Executive Board. Lexy continued the family tradition by serving on the Block Party Committee for the last 15 years, and as the event-chair for the last 9 years in a row.
Their children, Melanie, Whitney and Alex began volunteering at a young age and continue their support and commitment to the cause. Whitney’s first job out of college was taking on the role of administrative assistant for over two years.
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| California bear next to lounge band at Concern's blockparty at Paramount |
For the 15th year in a row, the Concern Foundation got help to celebrate The Best of LA 2019® on Los Angeles magazine, which also donated $25,000 this year to the Concern to help the mission.
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| California Sushi Academy |
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| Beyond meat, plant-based sausages |
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| Pink's hotdogs |
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| La Boheme fried Oyster and 1212's shrimp Ceviche |
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| Via Alloro's Involtini and Panzanella salad |
The backlot streets were filled with over 70 food and beverage vendors under the direction of Nancy Eisenstadt including notable classics such as Vibrato Grill Jazz, Ocean Prime, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, Urban Oven, Oak Smoke BBQ, STK Los Angeles, Button Mash, La Boheme, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Company, Mychals, Buzz Bar, DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, Fry Girl, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, Porta Via, Stonefire Grill, Outdoor Grill, Bar Hayama El Floridita, Factor’s Famous Deli, Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food, Marmalade Café and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs.
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| Humboldt Cannabis vodka |
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| Wine at The Garagiste Festival Micro-Winery Tasting garden |
Spirits: Nuda Tequila, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Asahi Beer, Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, Humbolt Distillery, Bulletproof, Buzz Box, Reed’s Ginger Brews, Beauty and the Bar, COKE Products and Dulce Vida Tequila.
Musical entertainment was be held on multiple stages featuring the Tom Nolan Band and D' City Sound & Events.
Photo studios, lounges and SPA services was provided by the Beauty Bus Foundation.
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| Infiniti QX at the silent auction |
Once again the event was led by the Concern office staff and a team of volunteers and designed by John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals.
www.concernfoundation.org/block-party
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| Myself (Karen Ostlund) at Fotospark California photobooth |
