BECKSTRAND CANCER FOUNDATION SET TO HONOR DR. ROBERT DILLMAN OF HOAG CANCER CENTER AT THE DIAMOND & PEARL BALL 2009
“An Evening in Wonderland” Presented by Neiman Marcus and Van Cleef & Arpels at Fashion Island

NEWPORT BEACH, California (October 17, 2009) – Beckstrand Cancer Foundation announced today that its honoree for The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2009 will be Robert Owen Dillman, MD of Hoag Cancer Center. The sixth annual black-tie event, themed “An Evening in Wonderland,” will also highlight the contributions of seven local women at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach on Saturday, Oct. 17. The fundraiser is held in support of the Foundation’s mission to improve and enhance quality of life for cancer patients and their families.

, “This year – especially in light of the economy – it’s important to us that we create an event where attendees can ‘escape’ a little and experience a fantasy world, but at the same time, we want to share with them about the very real and substantial contributions of our honoree, Dr. Robert Dillman,” said Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “We’re excited about the progress he is making at Hoag to improve the survival rate of patients with aggressive cancer, and believe that our guests are in for a very special, very inspiring evening.”

Known for its one-of-a-kind auction items, The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2009 will feature live auction items from Neiman Marcus Fashion Island, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Oday Shakar, “Dancing with the Stars,” “American Idol,” Garth Brooks, the Kentucky Derby, Lisa Rinna, Meadowood Resort and more. Attendees will also enjoy an elegant cocktail reception, sumptuous dinner, dancing, and music set against an ethereal yet whimsical fantasy backdrop. The Foundation’s three auxiliary groups – Four Pearls, Junior Pearls, and Mini Pearls – will be introduced during the evening by 16-year-old Alexandra Spitzer, founder and chair of Junior Pearls.

The gala chair, Kirsten Prosser, extends thanks to the gala’s sponsors and supporters, including Presenting Sponsors Neiman Marcus and Van Cleef & Arpels at Fashion Island, and Media Partner Riviera Magazine.

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