BECKSTRAND CANCER FOUNDATION RAISES NEARLY $800,000 FOR LOCAL CANCER PATIENTS AT THE DIAMOND & PEARL BALL 2009
Event Highlighted Contributions of Dr. Robert Dillman of Hoag Cancer Center and “Women of Hope”
NEWPORT BEACH, California (October 29, 2009) – Beckstrand Cancer Foundation announced today that it raised nearly $800,000 at its Sixth Annual Diamond & Pearl Ball, “An Evening in Wonderland,” held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach on Saturday, October 17. The gala celebrated the noteworthy contributions of Dr. Robert Dillman of Hoag Cancer Center, and awarded special recognition to seven “Women of Hope” who have long supported the Foundation’s mission of improving and enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and their families. The fundraiser hosted 406 guests.
“This year – in light of the soft economy – we focused on creating a fantasy world for our guests that was filled with whimsy and hope and promise,” said Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “At the same time, we were delighted to recognize Dr. Dillman for his efforts to improve the survival rate of patients with aggressive cancer, and thank seven very special ‘Women of Hope’ who have made a big difference in the community: Jan Salta, Joni D’Amato, Tami Kahn, Tara Shapiro, Laura Cross, Tracy DiGiorgio and Susan Franklin. Thanks to each of these women and the generosity of our donors and supporters, the gala was a success.”
Fantasy, Food & Fun Helps Raise Funds for Others in Need
Known for its one-of-a-kind auction items, The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2009 featured an Opportunity Drawing and 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, Kate Somerville & Lisa Rinna, Meadowood Resort and more. Attendees of the black-tie event also enjoyed 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 – were introduced during the evening by 16-year-old Alexandra Spitzer, founder and chair of Junior Pearls.
Mike and Jan Salta gave $50,000 during the Fund-A-Need portion of the evening, as did George and Eden O’Connell; Blaine and Renetta Caya scored four highly sought after auction packages for a grand total of $33,750 including The Resort at Pelican Hill, VIP seats for “Dancing with the Stars” and “American Idol,” Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at The Wynn in Las Vegas, and Neiman Marcus’ Fashionista in Wonderland luxury shopping experience. Donna Bale took home three auction packages including an Angels/Dodgers double-header VIP experience, an opportunity to become the Foundation’s BELIEVE Program Santa Claus, and an $18,000 dinner for eight prepared by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and nine-year-old pediatric cancer survivor “Chef” Jack Witherspoon. Highlights of the evening’s live auction came from OC Style Week’s featured designer, Oday Shakar, who generously sold a custom couture gown not once, but three times – twice to Dave and Holly Wilson and once to Janis Agopian for a total of $16,500.
The gala chair, Kirsten Prosser, was recognized for serving in the role for all six years of the event and extended her thanks to the gala’s sponsors and supporters, including Presenting Sponsors Neiman Marcus and Van Cleef & Arpels at Fashion Island, Media Partner Riviera Magazine, Martini Sponsor Pearl Vodka and Wine Sponsor Rob and Lydia Mondavi and Folio Fine Wine Partners.
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