The Concern Foundation returned to Paramount Studios Hollywood for its annual block party fundraiser for a full evening of colour, flavour, and entertainment in mid-July. As philanthropic endeavour, the organization has played the long game for 50 years to raise money for cancer research, treatment, and medical innovation. For this reason, the theme for its milestone year, ‘Game on! Together let’s beat cancer’, is particularly fitting.
‘In 1968, fifteen Los Angeles-based couples came together with one simple goal: “conquer cancer now!”’ said Derek Alpert, president of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, ahead of the historic 50th edition of what’s now considered an annual summertime tradition. ‘They wanted to ensure their dollars counted in the fight against cancer when their friend, Beverly Wolman, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. They could no longer sit back and continue losing friends to this horrific disease. The Concern Foundation’s war on cancer had begun with a clear mission to ensure that every dollar raised is used to identify the cause of and eventual cure for this devastating disease.’
The three main streets of the studio’s fabled New York City-inspired back lot were bedecked with iconic games, toys, and quiz programmes that have delighted generations of Americans. While nostalgia captivated and estimated 4,000 guests from the moment they stepped through the Twister gate and were greeted by the Mario Brothers, they stayed for the 90 restaurants, spirits, craft cocktails, wineries, and breweries filling out the world’s largest Monopoly game board.
Restaurants ran the gamut from the local outposts of nationally renowned steakhouses and fine dining restaurants, innovative street food outlets, sushi bars, dessert cafés, and local institutions enjoyed by many generations of customers, much like the games themselves. Upscale eateries included Nobu Los Angeles, Nobu Malibu, 1212 Santa Monica, Alexander’s Steakhouse, A. O. C. Wine Bar, Arth Bar + Kitchen, the Grill on the Alley, Wife and the Somm, Georgia’s Restaurant, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill & Jazz, City Club Los Angeles, Uchi West Hollywood, and Hayama by Watami.
The decades-old Yamashiro Hollywood and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs were among the favourite city-defining comfort food and global dining destinations, along with Porto’s Bakery & Café, Emporium Thai, CVT Soft Serve, Factor’s Famous Deli, Sushi Roku, and Box Chicken, embodying the spirit of Los Angeles with its fusion of cultures—here Japanese katsu-style tenders and American comfort food.
In addition to live music sets, long-time sponsors, board members, and community philanthropists Lisi and Steve Teller were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community, along with Special Lifetime Achievement honoree Dr Alexandra M. Levine, professor of hæmatology and chief medical officer emerita at City of Hope. The event, as always, included a silent and live auction, offering exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds benefiting cancer research initiatives.
The Beauty Bus Foundation also had a presence, offering added glamour and glitter to interested attendees. The organization was founded in 2009 to honour Melissa Marantz Nealy, whose life was cut short at 28 by a degenerative neuromuscular disease. Her family created Beauty Bus to bring dignity, hope, and compassion to patients and caregivers who are unable to access or afford salon services at the most challenging times.
For more information on this year’s event and what will come in 2026, visit the official Concern Foundation Block Party page, and learn more about how to join the Concern Foundation to pave the way for a future free from cancer.
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