An impressive $585,000 was raised at the Diamond and Pearl Ball on behalf of the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. The Orange County-based nonprofit organization -- which provides support for cancer victims and their families -- brought together 400 generous patrons at the Island Hotel, Newport Beach, under the gala chairmanship of Kirsten Prosser and Susan Franklin.
Founded in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand and a group of physicians dedicated to the treatment of cancer patients, the foundation has worked for more than 30 years providing financial assistance, counseling and other forms of help to cancer patients coping with survival needs. The Beckstrand Cancer Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of cancer victims during treatment, based on the belief that removing some of the stress from the day-to-day living during treatment improves the chances for recovery and survival.
Prior to the ball, event sponsor Bvlgari at South Coast Plaza hosted an in-store reception, welcoming some 100 underwriting patrons of Beckstrand Foundation as a thank you for their support. Bvlgari was the presenting sponsor of the Diamond and Pearl Ball, with Susan Franklin, Bvlgari's general manager, serving as co-chair. And KABC-TV Channel 7's entertainment reporter George Pennacchico served as emcee at the gala, which honored Dr. Neil Barth for his work with cancer patients. Barth is the founder and president of Newport Cancer Care Medical Associates, and he is also the chief of staff of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
