By Cheri Fox
The Concern Foundation’s 51st Annual Block Party, theme named “Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures,” transformed the legendary Paramount Studios backlot into an extraordinary safari adventure, celebrating hope, and philanthropy. This year’s event made history by raising an astonishing $2.75 million, surpassing last year’s record of $2.5 million making it the most successful fundraiser in the organization’s 58-year legacy.
Over 4,000 guests answered the call of altruism, gathering for a night filled with culinary discoveries, lively entertainment, and impactful giving. The safari-inspired theme paid tribute to longtime Concern Foundation Co-Founder and current Board Chair Jackie Gottlieb, who received the prestigious Steve R. Freed Spirit of Concern Volunteer Leadership Award for her decades of dedicated service.
Guests embarked on a culinary journey through the iconic backlot, enjoying tastings from more than 70 premier Southern California restaurants, wineries, breweries, and spirit brands. Highlights included craft beers from Common Space Brewery and Duvel, tequila from Dulce Vida and Milagro, premium spirits like Hendrick’s Gin and Yamazakura Japanese Whiskey, alongside fine wines from Zotovich Family Vineyards. The evening’s menu offered an impressive array of flavors, elevating the event into one of Los Angeles’ top culinary celebrations.
The culinary lineup was truly exceptional, featuring offerings from renowned establishments such as 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 Parlor, 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.
Sweet tooths indulged in desserts from local favorites including Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Farm Fresh To You, Gluten Free Goddess Bakery, and Puffect Bakery Café, while a selection of specialty coffees and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages kept guests energized throughout the night.
Entertainment was lively and diverse, with performances by the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound & Events, and the Jason Goldstein Sextet with Lilli Passero at the Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage, providing the perfect soundtrack for an evening of generosity and hope.
The event also featured exciting activities such as a digital photo studio by Brian Kramer Photography, casino-style gaming courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino, luxury spa services from Fairmont Spa Century Plaza, and glamorous safari-inspired makeovers by the Beauty Bus Foundation. Guests also participated in silent and live auctions offering exclusive travel experiences, luxury packages, and unique entertainment opportunities.
The success of this extraordinary event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors and community partners, including: Common Space Brewery, Duvel, Dulce Vida Tequila. Hendrick’s Gin, Yamazakura, Japanese Whiskey, and Zotovich Family Vineyards.
These sponsors, along with many others, helped elevate the evening’s impact and contributed to the record-breaking fundraising total.
Throughout the night, the collective generosity of guests, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters proved that when a community unites around a common goal, extraordinary things happen. Thanks to their efforts, the funds raised will support pioneering research in immunology, genetics, and cell biology.