On July 9, Concern Foundation (www.concernfoundation.org) for cancer research successfully produced its 42nd Annual Block Party themed “Fields of Dreams for a Cancer Free World,” on the backlot of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood. The event hosted nearly 4,000 guests and raised over $1.75 million for cancer research. The backlot streets were filled with over 75 food and beverage vendors, including Café del Rey, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, Lawry’s, The Palm and Pink’s Hot Dogs. Entertainment included performances by the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound featuring DJ Dwayne and San Diego Country Club. The event offered up interactive entertainment including casino-style games, 3D Cheeze and Honor Digital photography studios, Island Ink airbrush tattoos and salon and spa services.
Derek Alpert, Concern Foundation President commented, “Starting from a simple idea and watching it become a reality with thousands of moving parts coming together is a truly remarkable experience, one that sets Concern and our signature Block Party apart from most other organizations in this city. The ultimate reward for all of our efforts is, of course, the money raised for cancer research. This year’s Block Party was one of our most successful fundraising events yet—we’ve raised over $1.7 million and counting.”
(l-r) Barry & Sue Brucker, Rebecca Grossman & Dr. Peter Grossman
This year the event honored Dr. Peter and Rebecca Grossman as Humanitarians and Community Leaders who established the Grossman Burn Centers and Grossman Burn Foundation. Also honored at the event were former Beverly Hills Mayor and wife, Barry and Sue Brucker, who received the inaugural Beth Hersh Goldsmith Conquer Cancer Now Heroes Award. The award commemorated their longtime friend and former executive director of the foundation, Beth Goldsmith, who passed away in November 2015 from cancer. Since 2011, the Brucker family has donated $2.7 million.
On July 15, fundraiser Barnsdall’s “Breaking Convention” Summer Soiree featured an interactive evening of art, food and fundraising to kick off Aaron Axelrod’s multi-media exhibition “Dark Matter.”
Hollyhock House Projection Mapping
With generous support by Swarovski, Baxter and Bombet Hospitality Group, the progressive took place throughout the park from Hollyhock’s West Lawn to Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. Guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of Axelrod’s one-of-a-kind presentation before its official opening to the public. Creating a provocative visual experience, Axelrod projection-mapped the iconic Hollyhock House, marking the first time the historic landmark was part of a public art installation. Guests also previewed a spectacular Axelrod and Swarovski collaboration art piece housed at LAMAG, featuring almost 700,000 multi-color crystals.
The evening’s cuisine was curated by Terrine, Faith & Flower, Hanjip, and Viviane with executive chefs onsite, including Kris Morningstar and Michael Hung. Guests also enjoyed a curated cocktail menu by Cazadores and Bombay Sapphire under Bombet Hospitality Group. Entertainment highlights included DJ Clove and live musical performances by Treehouse, award-winning violinist James Thompson and world-renowned pianist Wayne Bethanis. A special evening to say the least.
(l-r) Barry & Sue Brucker, Rebecca Grossman & Dr. Peter Grossman
Don’t miss the Park’s closing night “Friday Night Wine Tasting Fundraiser” scheduled for September 2 on the West Lawn of Hollyhock House, when Barnsdall Park welcomes Angelenos to sip wine, picnic and watch the sunset. Music is presented by KCRW’s DJ Dan Wilcox and ongoing partner, Silverlake Wine, that curate their selections of boutique artisanal wines. Local gourmet cheese shop Say Cheese is also sponsoring the event, as well as specialty food trucks. Tickets start at $30 for a tasting and $42 for a tasting + tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s UNESCO-nominated Hollyhock House. The event supports the Park’s capital projects, art programs, historic renovations and gallery exhibitions and tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barnsdall-art-park-foundation-presents-barnsdall-fridays-tickets-25224474081
Speaking of wine, Diego Cusumano of Cusumano Wines (http://cusumano.it/en/) from Sicily recently hosted a special evening of Sicilian wine and pizza pairing at Sotto Restaurant (www.sottorestaurant.com) in Los Angeles. The handsome winemaker told the story about his family’s wine empire, inviting guests to sample Cusumano’s most popular reds and whites, including reds Sàgana (Hidden Treasure) and Nero d’Avola made from manually selected grapes from the rich, white soil vineyards of San Giacomo, and white Alta Mora of grapes grown and harvested on the slopes of the active volcano Mt. Etna. Sotto Restaurant provided an outstanding parade of delights, including chickpea panelle, grilled pork meatballs, fiorata pizza with salame piccante and buchwheat honey and cannoli Siciliani. Next stop – Sicily!
Diego Cusumano