Paramount Studios was transformed into a “Field of Dreams” to celebrate the 42nd Concern Foundation Annual Block Party. The gala evening featured multiple stages of live entertainment, casino style games, live and silent auctions, and food from over 70 of L.A.’s best restaurants and caterers. Concern Foundation’s mission is to conquer cancer, and they have raised over $58 million for research and treatment of this dread disease.
Dr. Peter and Rebecca Grossman (Grossman Burn Foundation) were honored; along with former Beverly Hills Mayor and wife, Barry and Sue Brucker, who donated $2.7 million to the Foundation. With supporters like these, cancer may soon be defeated.
The private estate of boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard in Pacific Palisades, was the perfect venue for the Design Care Gala, produced by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, Rodney Peete, benefitting the HollyRod Foundation. This organization, founded in1999, aids those with Parkinson’s disease and Autism, and featured a luxurious fashion show, silent auction and buffet dinner, provided by Outback Steakhouse, under the stars of the magnificent estate.
Some of the celebs in attendance included Chris Paul (L.A. Clippers) fashion designer Michael Costello, Derek Fisher, Laila Ali, Alan Thicke, Jesse Jackson, Arsenio Hall and, Daisy Fuentes. American Idol Finalist, Joshua Ladet and Grammy nominated R and B sensation Ledisi, performed at the star-studded event.
You may not be able to visit the Hamptons this summer, but you have the unique opportunity to view this summer retreat in all its glory and despair, at Grey Gardens at the Ahmanson Theatre until August 14. This musical, based upon the lives of Edith Bouvier Bealeand her daughter, “Little” Edie Beale, is a tour-de-force for Broadway babes Rachel York (who portrays Mama Edie in act 1. and Little Edie in act 2.) and the legendary Betty Buckley, who was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2012. There is even a glimpse of young Jackie Bouvier Kennedy and younger sister Lee in this production, as well as their Dad, Major Bouvier, portrayed by Simon Jones. We could not understand why Josh Young (who portrayed Joseph P. Kennedy) rejected the young Edie as his wife. Simple scandals in those days were not easily dismissed.
The mother-daughter relationship is extremely powerful, yet pitiful, and is truly a theatrical experience you will not want to miss – especially is you saw the documentary film of the same title. By the way, everyone received a standing ovation, including Angela Lansbury, who was a first nighters’ guest. Three great ladies of the theatre, indeed!
