Review: 2023 Concern Foundation Fundraiser
The 2023 Concern Foundation Fundraiser took place on July 8, 2023. It turned out to be a beautiful summer evening for the 48th Annual Block Party event at the Paramount Studio Backlot. Over 4,000 people attended the event which raised over $2 million dollars for cancer research.
2023 Concern Foundation Fundraiser
Hosted again by Derek Alpert, this year the Kallick Family was given the Lifetime of Giving Award. Also the Cedars Sinai Cancer Center was honored for its groundbreaking work focused on conquering cancer.The event was once again sponsored by LA Magazine.
As always the fundraiser was a smashing success. This year’s theme THE LAND BEFORE TIME: THE EXTINCTION OF CANCER made for a dramatic and adventurous backdrop. Large sized Dinosaur statues were scattered around the festival. Some looked down upon us, while others, such as pterodactyls, hung from wires far above our heads. There were even incredibly life-like moving dinosaur (at least one with a person inside) which interacted with the crowd.
In addition to live music and DJs on three different stages, the event featured an expansive area for gambling, beauty services provided by the Beauty Bus Foundation and an endless assortment of incredible food, desserts, cocktails and various non-alcoholic drinks.
I started the evening with a very nice glass of wine. I met Pam and Loren Hoffman who are Independent Ambassador’s for Boisset representing its wine portfolio. The couple works a lot with charities doing their events. I enjoyed a taste of 2021 LVE Rose which was refreshing and light with notes of peach and strawberry. Next I tried a Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon (2020) with notes of dark berry and a hint of vanilla.
Best Food at a Festival
Now I was ready to eat. Since my wine glass was half full, I decided to head to the 1212 Santa Monica booth for some classic Italian cuisine.
As usual, the food at the fundraiser was fantastic. Vibrato Grill Jazz was offering a variety of dishes. My favorite was their Ahi tuna wonton – a delicate tuna topped with savory green eggs, featuring an avocado crema. The saltiness of the eggs infused into the tuna along with the avocado crema, while the crunch of the wonton was a stirring union. It was visually pleasing as well.
I also love sushi, so naturally I was drawn to Nobu Malibu’s unrivaled tuna hand rolls, as well Bar Hayama’s scrumptious made-to-order sushi selection of yellowtail, salmon, and tuna.
I tasted a little bit of heaven with a lobster dumpling from Tao. Here I met Harley DeMyers (Sr. Director of Operations Los Angeles of Tao Group). I also enjoyed another dish – a Daring Tinga Tostada (plant-based ‘chicken,’ black beans, avocado, baby gem, pico de gallo). This was also delicious. I was blown away that I was eating plant based chicken…so good. I had the chance to review Tao Connecticut on a recent trip – CLICK HERE to read the review.
Where’s the Beef?
Not to worry…meat was not lacking at the event. See the cover shot for STK LA’s fab burger….yum! CLICK HERE to read my STK LA Restaurant Review. Of course Pinks was once again supporting the cause with all sorts of hot dog specialties.
The Grill on the Alley served up tender rare sliced roast beef on a roll, while H & H, Brazilian Steakhouse provided a wonderful combo of steak and potatoes. At that point I was just too full to eat anymore. My photographer continued on the food journey, and raved about the corned beef (served on a cocktail rye) provided by Factor’s Famous Deli, (see image below), a women run business! I love that!
By the time I saw one of my favorite restaurants – Emporium Thai, I was just too full to partake. CLICK HERE to read my restaurant review of Emporium Thai. The food is fabulous.
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen served up some yummy eats, according to my photographer – who loves fried chicken. See photo below.
Other incredible cuisine came from Fogo de Chao, The Hideaway, Someone’s In The Kitchen, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, and many others. Margherita’s and various cocktails were plentiful, but as usual I stuck to my personal favorite, red wine.
As someone who attends a lot of food events, I always save a tiny bit of room for dessert. One of the best selections came from Pitchoun Bakery. In addition to an array of decadent sweets, savory delicacies were also offered here. Then I stumbled upon the Toffee Twins. The S’mores toffee was unlike anything I have had before. I could not resist going back for seconds.
Music
Enough about the food…let’s talk music. The Tom Nolan Band returned this year to perform on the main stage. A fun tight band, they really know how to get the crowd going with a great setlist of popular hits.
I fell in love with a band called Leah and I, featured on the Vibrato “Grotto” Grill Jazz stage. The husband and wife duo along with their band featured Ira Gonzalez (vocals, guitar), Leah Zeger (vocals, violin). Harlan Hodges (piano), Max Kraus (bass), and Brian Carmody (drums). I particularly enjoyed the range of music they provided with various musician groupings. Ira did a solo set, then the rest of the band joined. Later, Ira took a break and Leah performed with the rest of the band.
And finally the Yabba Dabba DJ Stage offered a very lively performance by D’ City Sound & Events. The crowd just loved it. Many were up dancing on the stage. It was a great way to work off all that food.
See ETG’s Instagram – I posted a couple of reels, videos and lots of photos.
The broad range of cuisine, spirits, music, gambling, and people was truly impressive. If you are a true foodie who loves a great party atmosphere, and you want to support a great cause, don’t miss next years event taking place July 13, 2024. https://www.concernfoundation.org/
