The roar for a cure has never been louder! The Concern Foundation's 51st Annual Block Party, themed "Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures," made history by raising a record-breaking $2.75 Million for groundbreaking cancer research, surpassing last year's record-setting $2.5 million and marking the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s 58-year history!
More than 4,000 Guests answered the call of the wild as the legendary backlot of Paramount Studios Hollywood transformed into an unforgettable safari adventure celebrating hope, generosity, and the relentless pursuit of a world without cancer.
The evening's safari-inspired theme, "Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures," honored longtime Concern Foundation Co-Founder and current Board Chair Jackie Gottlieb, who received the prestigious Steve R. Freed Spirit of Concern Volunteer Leadership Award in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment, and decades of service to the organization.
Guests journeyed through the iconic Paramount Backlot enjoying culinary discoveries from more than 70 of Southern California's Premier Restaurants, Wineries, Breweries, and Spirit Brands from favorites such as Common Space Brewery and Duvel which poured Beer, Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress 1908 Gin, Hendrick’s Gin, Knox & Dobson, Milagro Tequila, Still Moon Moonshine, Tequila Comisario, Xoloitzcuintle Tequila, and Yamazakura Japanese Whiskey. Specially selected safari sips also included Zotovich Family Vineyards and Winery with each generously donating their time, talent, and products to help fund the next generation of groundbreaking cancer research.
The culinary safari featured exceptional tastings from 1212 Santa Monica, 24Vegan, Ayara Thai, BOX Chicken, Casablanca Restaurant, Cea-Lo LA, City Club Los Angeles, De Cecco, Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant, El Portal Restaurant, Emporium Thai, Engine Co. No. 28, Factor’s Famous Deli, Fogo de Chão, Fuegos LA, Girl & the Goat LA, Gyu-Kaku, Häsi Bread, Hayama by Watami, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill and Jazz, La Boheme, Kindling Snacks, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, Maple Block Meat Co., Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Miracle Noodle, Paradise Dynasty, Pechanga Resort Casino, Picala Restaurant, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Poppy + Rose, Ramen Tatsunoya, Settecento DTLA, Shakey’s Pizza Parlors, Someone’s in the Kitchen, STK Steakhouse, That’s it., The Grill on the Alley, Ubatuba Açaí, Uchi West Hollywood, Vegetarian Plus by Myrtle Greens, Wife and the Somm, and Yama Sushi Marketplace creating one of Los Angeles' premier culinary celebrations.
Guests also indulged in an impressive collection of Desserts from All About the Cinnamon, Awake Caffeinated Chocolate, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Brique French Toastery, DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, Farm Fresh To You, Gluten Free Goddess Bakery, Just Jan’s, Mamala’s Mandel Bread, Mychal’s Coffee & Bakery, OOOMAMI Cookies That Care, Puffect Bakery Café, Sweet Loren’s, The Fry Girl Inc., The Gourmandise School, and The Toffee Twins.
Specialty Coffees, Teas, and refreshing Non-Alcoholic Beverages were generously provided by the event's outstanding culinary and beverage partners included Coffee and Tea provided by Chef de Tea, DUBA Tea, Pasquini Espresso Co., Harmony Proteins, Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, and Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water, SANPELLEGRINO® CIAO!, Sprite, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water, Topo Chico Sabores, and vitaminwater hydr
Throughout the evening, the energy of the safari came alive with live performances across three entertainment stages featuring the Tom Nolan Band, D' City Sound & Events, and the always-popular Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage, featuring the Jason Goldstein Sextet with Lilli Passero, creating the perfect soundtrack for an extraordinary evening of giving.
Adventure awaited around every corner of the Paramount backlot as guests enjoyed the Brian Kramer Photography Digital Photo Studio, Casino Style Gaming presented by Pechanga Resort Casino, SnapItStudio.com Photo Booth, Explorer Base Camps & Lounges sponsored by Anxiety Therapy LA and Mount Sinai Memorial Parks, luxurious spa services from Fairmont Spa Century Plaza, Safari-Inspired Glamour Makeovers courtesy of the Beauty Bus Foundation, and the ever-popular Silent and Live Auctions, which featured exclusive travel experiences, luxury packages, fine dining, entertainment opportunities, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Adding to the evening's success, Los Angeles Magazine proudly partnered with the Concern Foundation to help shine a spotlight on the organization's mission while bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, culinary icons, and supporters from throughout Southern California.
The true stars of the evening, however, were the thousands of generous guests, volunteers, sponsors, restaurant partners, beverage companies, entertainers, and donors whose collective support resulted in a record-breaking $2.75 Million to advance innovative cancer research.
For more than five decades, the Concern Foundation Block Party has stood as one of Los Angeles' premier philanthropic events, helping fund pioneering research in immunology, immunotherapy, genetics, and cell biology. This year's historic fundraising total will help provide critical support for promising young scientists whose discoveries have the potential to transform cancer treatment and ultimately save lives.
As guests departed the 51st Annual Block Party after an unforgettable night beneath the stars, one thing was abundantly clear: while the safari may have come to an end, the journey toward conquering cancer continues, and thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Concern Foundation family, that journey took a record-breaking leap forward.
Together, they proved that when a community comes together with one mission, cancer becomes the one truly endangered species.