It was the perfect day for a garden party. Paramount Studios was the place to be as the Concern Foundation fired up the grills for its sizzling summer bash. Supporters dug deep and, despite a sour economy, the result was sweet.
This year, the Concern crew showed off their green thumbs with a festive outdoor theme. A group of leggy go-go girls dressed as giant sunflowers greeted a kickback crowd of more than 3,000 at Stage 14.
Along with a good cause, food is the main focus at this fling.
Where’s the beef? It was at Fogo de Chao, which brought its authentic Brazilian flavors to the affair. Meat lovers lined up as a gang of Gaucho grill masters dished out rib eye steaks by the hundreds as well as frango chicken wrapped in bacon and Brazilian hearts of palm.
Beneath the brownstone facades just across the way, Lawry’s was carving up its famous prime rib along with what many Angelinos consider the best creamed spinach in town. There were 57 food and beverage stations in all, including Polynesian pupus from Trader Vic’s, Italian eats from Pane e Vino and Thai treats from Talesai.
In keeping with the garden theme, there were flowers as far as the eye could see with colorful arrangements of heliconia and orchids, daisies and ranunculuses. The tables were done up in cheery shades of tangerine, lemon and lavender, and topped with silver watering pails, rakes, and red and white roses.
There was plenty of action at the gaming tables as well as the silent auction area where bidders snapped up great getaways and summer sports equipment.
After getting their fill of gourmet grub, concerned citizens grooved to Billy Vera and the Beaters as they belted out classic hits like “I Can Take Care of Myself.”
After the show, it was time to recognize the evening’s three honorees. Interior designer Donna Livingston, Smith Barney’s Susan Inwood and child psychiatrist Mary Moebius got big kudos for bringing awareness and support to the Concern community.
This year, Concern pulled off an impressive feat, exceeding its expectations with a take of $1.3 million. The proceeds will go to 52 cancer researchers across the country. Concern president Derek Alpert said his goal was to break the million-dollar level. Despite the crummy economy, Alpert says local eateries, caterers and beverage companies donated “as generously as ever.”
Over the years, Concern and Concern 2 have raised a whopping $43 million to make cancer a thing of the past. As Alpert sees it, “We are at a critical juncture to reach our goal. Planting promise together, we can conquer cancer now.”
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