BECKSTRAND CANCER FOUNDATION RAISES MORE THAN $1 MILLION AT 2007 DIAMOND & PEARL BALL
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (October 15, 2007) – Beckstrand Cancer Foundation announced today that it exceeded its goal and raised more than $1 million dollars at its 4th Annual Diamond & Pearl Ball, “An Evening in the Orient,” fund-raiser, held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach on Saturday, Oct. 13. The gala celebrated the life of Tom Riach, a prominent area resident. Its 448 guests helped raise funds which will be used to improve and enhance the quality of life of Orange County- and Los Angeles-based cancer patients and their families.
“Every year, we are amazed at the overwhelming generosity of our supporters,” said Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “This year is no exception. In fact, the goal-breaking success of this year’s fund-raiser will allow the Foundation to increase its level of support to so many cancer patients in need. And through the help of our presenting sponsors, Neiman Marcus Fashion Island and Van Cleef & Arpels at Neiman Marcus, we are pleased to be able to continue that mission.”
Known for its one-of-a-kind auction items, the 2007 Diamond & Pearl Ball featured live and silent auction items from Louis Vuitton, David Kelley Productions, Roberto Cavalli, the Angels and more. The sale of stunning Van Cleef & Arpels pendant and drop earrings from the Snowflake Collection to Dave and Holly Wilson during live auction was punctuated by their generous donation back to the Foundation. Neiman Marcus Fashion Island also provided an exclusive first-class experience in Turks & Caicos.
Attendees of the black-tie event enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception, a moving tribute delivered by Dr. William French, sumptuous dinner, dancing, and live entertainment set amidst the mystery, spirit and spice of the Orient. Jim Mudd was the lucky winner of a 2007 Lexus RX400h Hybrid, donated by Newport Lexus, in the first of two opportunity drawings held that evening. Victoria Riach also won a 2007 Toyota Prius, donated on behalf of Toyota of San Juan Capistrano. George O’Connell put up a $50,000 challenge to the crowd. Highlights of the evening included an emotional speech delivered by cancer patient Stacey Farnsworth, and a spirited live auction bidding war over sponsor Rob & Lydia Mondavi’s Ultimate Napa Valley Getaway experience, which prompted the Mondavi’s to offer a second getaway.
Tara and Mike Shapiro, and Mike and Tami Kahn, each bid $35,000 for the Mondavi wine lover’s dream weekend, which included private jet and luxury resort accommodations, lunch, and barrel tasting. The highly sought-after auction item also included a private party at Neiman Marcus, complete with personalized beauty consultation by vintner and owner of 29 Cosmetics, Lydia Mondavi. Other noteworthy and magnanimous sponsors included [Rob and Lydia Mondavi] and Folio Winemaker’s Studio, Level Vodka, and UBS Printing Group.
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