On top of that it’s an unbelievably entertaining fete, the proceeds from the ticket sales benefit one of the most worthwhile causes ever\u2014cancer research<\/strong>. Ticket-holders feel great because they’re helping such a worthy cause while having an unbelievably fabulous time.<\/p>\n The 2019 Concern Foundation Block Party. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n I’m thrilled that the Block Party is finally returning after the pandemic; it’s Concern Foundation’s 47th edition of it! I’ve been to several of the recent past ones, which were all fantastic, and therefore I’m looking forward to this one like a kid who can’t wait to unwrap his or her birthday presents!<\/p>\n So let me whet your appetite for the upcoming Block Party, in hopes that you, too, will attend. The more attendees, the more money they raise for all the cancer research.<\/p>\n It takes place on the iconic Paramount Studios backlot in Hollywood<\/strong>. Getting to meander around that location might even be enough for some people. But it gets better. Much better.<\/p>\n The event is an entire evening full of non-stop food and beverages; multiple stages of music, both live and DJed, including at least one stage for the guests to dance on; spa services; photo booths; casino games; presentations; and an incredible auction! My friend bid on and won a signed<\/em> Derek Jeter jersey a few years ago, (how jealous was I<\/em>?,) and I’m<\/em> hoping to procure some Aspen lift tickets, so I can go back there and rectify that humiliating experience I had at a wedding at the top of the mountain many years ago, the tale of which some of you may remember from my TV show.<\/p>\n The overview of the 2019 Block Party taken from the top of the…ferris wheel! (Hence the white bar blocking some of the action.) Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n There are also always several celebrity sightings along the way, (I’ve seen Herb Alpert and the late Fred Willard in different years,) and lots of happy mingling. No worries if you’re still concerned about that last part–it takes place all outside.<\/p>\n The party has a different theme every year, and this time, it’s very appropriately Back on the Block<\/em>. I can’t wait to see how they decorate for it. It all begins at 6PM<\/strong>, so we get to see the d\u00e9cor in both the light and the dark, which is perfect for a summer soiree. And I love the title itself; for me, it really evokes the feeling of being on my Brooklyn block in the summers growing up, and I’m sure it will do the same for everyone else whose old \u201cblocks\u201d mean something to them.<\/p>\n Karen Salkin’s newly-polished-at-the-beauty-bar nails, pointing to the fun gaming tables for us. Photo by Karen Salkin’s right hand.<\/p><\/div>\n Okay, I know my fellow foodies want to know about all the eateries that will be there. No worries in that category–no one could possibly go away hungry from the Block Party! As fans of my old restaurant review show know only too well, I’m one of the pickiest eaters ever, yet I always find more goodies at this event than at anyplace else. Let’s put it this way\u2014I won’t be weighing myself anytime soon after attending!<\/p>\n The full list is on the Concern Foundation website, (whose link is at the bottom of this page,) and I can tell you that a few of special interest to me will be there, including Mr. X and my favorite sandwiches of all time–Ike\u2019s Love & Sandwiches. Actually, all<\/em> of my friends love the delicious and creative choices, even my out-of-town peeps! (When a friend was leaving LA after visiting from the east coast for a couple of weeks, I asked what his favorite part of the trip was, because I had knocked myself out taking him everywhere special. His answer? \u201cIke’s Sandwiches!\u201d I must say, I do agree with him.) The Westwood shop closed due to the pandemic, and when I saw their name on this list, I started getting ready to go to the Block Party right now\u2014two weeks early!!! I can’t wait to see them again! (Well, really more eat<\/em> them than see<\/em> them, right?)<\/p>\n There’s also my local neighborhood upscale restaurant, Vibrato, and some of my old pals’ places, including the Drago brothers and Fresh Brothers Pizza. Meat lovers will go nuts for the offerings from Fogo de Chao.<\/p>\n And there are soooooo many more treats and eats in store for us at Concern’s Block Party! There will be more than four dozen restaurants, caterers, and bakeries sharing their wares with us. I can tell you right now–I will definitely not be wearing a figure-hugging dress!!!<\/p>\n Some of the early crowd dancing in 2019. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n As you may know, kindness is the most important thing in life to me, (even more so than humor, which, I know surprises some of you who think I live to just entertain,) so I always love Concern Foundation’s presentations at this event. This year’s honorees, who will be receiving the first ever\u00a0Larry Powell Spirit of\u00a0Concern Award<\/em>, (which is\u00a0named\u00a0after one of Concern Foundation’s founders,) are Janet Crown and Steve Robinson, who are philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. You have got to read their bios on Concern’s website at the bottom of this page\u2014with everything they have done and still do, they should each be one-hundred-and-fifty-years-old! How can two people accomplish so much kindness in one lifetime?! I especially appreciate that Steve is on the Board of Governors of Cedars-Sinai, the hospital who I credit with literally saving my life!<\/p>\n There’s so much more to tell you about the Concern Foundation Block Party, but I want everyone to experience it all for themselves. Just know that you’ll have the time of your lives. It truly has something there for everyone. I hope to see you all there!<\/p>\n For tickets, sponsorships, and even to bid right now<\/em> on the already-in-progress silent auction(!), please go to www.concernfoundation.org\/block-party<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PREVIEW OF THE CONCERN\u00a0FOUNDATION\u00a02022 BLOCK PARTY Concern Foundation’s upcoming annual Block Party, which will be held on\u00a0Saturday evening, July 9, 2022, is the one event I’m telling my fellow Angelenos to not miss! It’s always the party of the year! On top of that it’s an unbelievably entertaining fete, the proceeds from the ticket sales<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/IMG_2455.jpg\")
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