2024 Concern Foundation Block Party Fundraiser

The 2024 Concern Foundation Block Party Fundraiser (July 13, 2024) was a huge success. It was sold out once again and brought in over 4000 attendees to the historic backlot at Paramount Studios. This year’s event raised over 2.4 million dollars.

2024 Concern Foundation Block Party fundraiser

Each year for the past forty nine years, Concern Foundation has donated one hundred percent of its profits to cancer research and services. This includes treatment programs in Los Angeles and around the world. To date this incredible organization has raised seventy million dollars. Funds are awarded via grants to talented scientists who are at the forefront of the war against cancer.

This year’s Block Party had an outer space galactic theme which made for a very fun evening. An expansive portion of the Paramount Studios backlot was completely transformed with an endless array of props, characters and lighting effects. Guests donned sparkling silver outfits, while Star Wars characters, including the elusive Darth Vader, paraded through the festival. Awesome super tall robots loomed over the crowd, and hip sized robotic creatures surprised guests and took selfies with attendees. An endless array of food and beverages were available for all to enjoy.

My husband and I both love sushi, so we headed straight to one of our favorite booths, Nobu Malibu. This world-renowned sushi hot spot has supported the Concern Foundation Block Party event for years now. They made us some exquisite hand rolls with super fresh yellowtail and Tuna. They were delicious. We enjoyed the Tom Nolan Band as we munched away. TNB is on the main stage every year. They always perform the best party songs that make everyone want to dance…including me!

Amazing Sushi

Next we were enticed by a delicate salmon bite from Mama M. Sushi which was a new participant this year. It definitely did not disappoint. Then we headed over to Hayama, another regular and favorite at the festival. They will literally make whatever you request on the spot….just ask. I enjoyed a salmon as well as a yellowtail roll. Pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce were also provided.

*Tasty Sushi Rolls provided by Hayama; Photo by Richard Bilow*

What Next at the 2024 Concern Foundation Block Party

Once I had my sushi fix satisfied, it was time for pasta and wine, then who knows? I spotted 1212 Restaurant handing out gnocchi, so I headed over there. I love this place. In fact, I reviewed it. It was so tasty…cooked to perfection, and the marinara was on point. CLICK HERE to read my review.

*The team from 1212; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

Another classic LA restaurant made its mark again – Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen. They have also participated in the Block Party previously. Dulan’s served fried chicken, sweet potato cornbread, mac n’cheese and collard greens. Their food is the most authentic soul food available in Los Angeles. The fried chicken was tender inside with a nice outer crunch. The highlights for me however were their mac n’ cheese, collard greens and sweet potato corn bread.

*Dulan’s brings classic Soul Food*; Photo by Richard Bilow

Grill on the Alley dished out rare sirloin beef, sliced right in front of us placed on a roll. They also offered caesar salad. Factors Famous Deli brought us their signature yummy hot corned beef and chopped salad. Champion’s Curry served up a zesty chicken and rice. Porto’s Bakery & Cafe outdid itself with a magnificent spread of goodies. Their savory offering included Cuban Frita Burgers and Summer Melon Gazpacho. Then for the sweet lovers, Matcha Tiramisu and Strawberry Shortcake was for the taking. Yum!

*Porto’s Cuban Frita Burgers; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

Desserts

Let’s talk more desserts…Another unbelievable spread came from Bea’s Bakery. This Jewish bakery went all out with an array of scrumptious treats. We also loved the donut holes from Cafe Dulce. We dove into a Blueberry Matcha Latte as well as a Fruity Pebbles…so good!

Other longtime Block Party favorites included La Boheme, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill & Jazz, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Emporium Thai, and STK Steakhouse. Visit ETG’s Restaurant and Wine Reviews Page to read reviews for the latter two.

In addition to all this spectacular food, wine, beer and cocktails, there were several non-culinary highlights. A casino area, spa treatments provided by Fairmont Spa Century Plaza, as well as a photo booth kept everyone entertained. Once again, Los Angeles Magazine sponsored the event. They continue to support the Concern Foundation, as they have for the past seventeen years.

*Darth Vader even enjoyed the event; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

See ETG’s Instagram for a glimpse at all the fun – I posted several reels on the day of the event – July 13, 2024.

As I have written previously in all my reviews..this annual food festival is exceptional. It is one of the largest foodie events in LA, and it is all for a great cause – cancer research. If you can only attend ONE foodie festival a year…make it this one! Visit the website for more information about Concern Foundation. It is an important non profit organization making a difference in people’s lives. https://www.concernfoundation.org/