Hollywood went wild for a cause as the Concern Foundation transformed the historic Paramount Studios backlot into an urban safari for its annual Block Party. This year’s theme, “Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures,” brought out the animal instincts in guests, many arriving in leopard prints, zebra stripes and safari gear for one of Los Angeles’ most anticipated philanthropic evenings.

There was plenty to celebrate. By the end of the night, the event had raised an impressive $2.75 million for cancer research, continuing the Foundation’s decades-long commitment to funding innovative scientists in the fight against the disease.

The sprawling Paramount grounds proved particularly suited to the theme. Statues of giraffes towered above the festivities, while safari-inspired touches appeared throughout the backlot. A costumed sabertooth cat prowled among the crowd, adding another playful element to an evening that embraced its theme with considerable enthusiasm. Of course, for many longtime devotees of the Block Party, the real safari is culinary.

Restaurants and beverage purveyors stretched across the studio streets, transforming the backlot into an enormous tasting menu with seemingly another temptation around every corner. Among the evening’s standouts was Wife and the Somm, while Hayama by Watami kept an almost irresistible procession of sushi and rolls coming throughout the night. Vibrato Grill was another welcome presence, and Fogo de Chão once again proved that few things satisfy a hungry partygoer quite like Brazilian churrasco.

Part of the pleasure of the Concern Foundation Block Party has always been its sense of discovery. One wanders from one studio street to another, glass in hand, encountering a new restaurant, dessert, cocktail or bit of entertainment at almost every turn. Unlike a conventional seated gala, the evening invites guests to roam, sample, mingle and return for seconds when something proves particularly irresistible. This year, the safari theme only heightened that sense of exploration. Animal prints mingled with evening attire, safari hats appeared alongside cocktail dresses, and the familiar Paramount backlot took on a decidedly more exotic personality.

Yet beneath the abundance of food, music and spectacle remains the reason thousands return year after year: the Concern Foundation’s commitment to cancer research. Since its founding, the organization has focused on supporting promising scientists and innovative research, giving an evening built around pleasure a purpose far beyond the studio gates. At $2.75 million raised, this year’s Block Party had particularly good reason to roar.

After more than five decades, Concern Foundation continues to demonstrate that serious philanthropy need not be solemn. Sometimes the path toward a cure can wind through the streets of Paramount Studios, past a giraffe or two, with a glass in one hand and a plate in the other.

— Ghalib Dhalla

For more information please visit: https://www.concernfoundation.org/