October 24, 2008 02:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Beckstrand Cancer Foundation Raises More Than $1 Million at 2008 Diamond & Pearl Ball

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beckstrand Cancer Foundation announced today that it raised more than $1 million at its milestone 5th Annual Diamond & Pearl Ball, “An Evening in Africa” fund-raiser, held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach on Saturday, Oct. 11. The gala celebrated the life and journey of pediatric cancer survivor, Taylor Carol, a 13-year-old Dana Point resident. Its 348 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.

“This year – especially in light of the economy – we were amazed by the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, sponsors and auction item donors,” said Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “And watching Taylor meet the bone marrow donor who saved his life is a moment I, and everyone in the room, will never forget. It was an extraordinary reminder of how precious life is and the opportunity we all have to support cancer patients in need.”

Taylor Carol Honored with Celebration of Survival

Taylor Carol was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when he was 11 years old. His family received support from Beckstrand Cancer Foundation as Taylor was treated at Seattle Children’s Hospital. His one-in-a-million chance at survival came from a then-anonymous bone marrow donor in Germany. The man who saved his life, Ralf Jungbouth, met Taylor for the first time at the Diamond & Pearl Ball, in an emotional moment filled with tears, smiles and hugs. Taylor had just finished singing the song, “Ordinary Miracles” accompanied on piano by Mateo Messina, composer of the “Juno” soundtrack.

Food and Fun Helps Raise Funds for Others in Need

Known for its one-of-a-kind auction items, the 2008 Diamond & Pearl Ball featured live and silent auction items from Van Cleef & Arpels, Neiman Marcus, House of Cavalli, “Dancing with the Stars,” MTV’s “The Hills” and Lauren Conrad, Rob and Lydia Mondavi and Folio Fine Wine Partners, Screaming Eagle and more. Attendees of the black-tie event also enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception, an introduction to the night’s honoree by Nishan Tchekmedyian, sumptuous dinner, dancing, music and acrobatic entertainment set against a stunning African jungle backdrop.

Mike and Jan Salta gave $50,000 during the Fund-A-Need portion of the evening, as did Kenny Johnson; John and Kerry Holtrust scored a highly sought after Smart Car for a winning bid of $35,000; Mike and Jan Salta walked away with the Ultimate Napa Getaway for $35,000; Kenny Johnson took home the House of Cavalli package for $25,000; and Blaine and Renetta Caya entered a winning bid of $25,000 for the Neiman Marcus/Rene Caovilla shoe lovers package. Highlights of the evening’s live auction came from board member, George O’Connell, and his wife, Eden, who issued a $100,000 challenge to the crowd and drew in matching funds; and inspired unscripted speeches from advisory board members, Drs. Neil Barth and Simon Teckmedyian, who each gave $5,000 following Taylor’s emotional meeting with his donor.

The gala co-chairs, Kirsten Prosser and Jan Salta, extended their thanks to the gala’s sponsors and supporters, including Presenting Sponsors Neiman Marcus and Van Cleef & Arpels at Fashion Island.

About Beckstrand Cancer Foundation

Beckstrand Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand and a group of doctors specializing in the treatment and care of cancer patients. For more than 30 years, the Foundation’s goal has been to “improve and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.” This mission is achieved through an Individual Patient Assistance program, in which the Foundation is unique in providing financial assistance, patient advocacy, supportive counseling and practical help to patients in the midst of their cancer treatment and struggling to cope with critical survival needs. While research is imperative to finding a cure, approximately 1.4 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008, and little support is available to assist these victims with day-to-day living and basic needs. This is where Beckstrand Cancer Foundation serves as the missing link. For more information about Beckstrand Cancer Foundation or to learn more about the 2008 Diamond & Pearl Ball, visit www.Beckstrand.org.

Editor’s/Producer’s Note: Hi-res photos, live auction winners list and sponsors list available upon request.