Crystal Ball Reveals Spirit of Concern II’s Volunteers

Tarot readers, fortunetellers and magicians conjured up a spirited celebration when the Orange County Chapter of Concern II staged its Crystal Ball.

“Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism” was the theme of the ball, which attracted more than 200 guests to South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court in Costa Mesa on Saturday. The $55-per-person event was expected to net $40,000 for Concern II, which raises funds for children’s cancer research projects.

Spirits in the Night

“We’re going to have a blast tonight,” promised Heather Katz, Concern II co-president.

Indeed, event organizers made sure the guests never lacked for entertainment. Party-goers could sit for readings with fortunetellers, mingle with Billy Crystal and Bruce Springsteen look-alikes, dance with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck characters and pose for a caricature artist. A live band and a comedian from the Improv rounded out the night’s busy schedule.

Guests also grazed at food stations that dished out specialties from local restaurants. Among the offerings: penne in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and Mediterranean saffron rice salad from Garden Bistro, manicotti in alfredo sauce and pizza from Birraporetti’s, chips and salsa from Taco Mesa and gourmet breads from Il Fornaio.

Cause for Concern

Concern II is an all-volunteer organization of young professionals that provides grants for children’s cancer researchers from all over the world.

The Orange County chapter of Concern II was started by Michael Adler seven years ago. Adler had moved here from Los Angeles, where he was a member of the original group.

“I wanted to do something special,” Adler said. “I was sick as a kid, and I think every child should have a chance for a healthy life.”

In addition to staging fund-raisers, members get involved with the children, joining them for Halloween parties, picnics, trips to theme parks and other activities.

Many party-goers have personal reasons for supporting Concern II.

“My twin sister passed away from cancer when we were 11,” said Tamar Frenkel-Hauptman, a Concern II board member. She and her other sister, Ruth Frenkel, Concern II co-president, are among the group’s most active volunteers.

“When we were little, there wasn’t much we could do. That’s one reason why we got involved,” Frenkel-Hauptman said.

In past years, Concern II members have honored one of their own at their annual galas. This year, all volunteers were recognized.

“We have no paid staff. Out of each dollar donated, 98 cents makes it to cancer research,” Frenkel-Hauptman said.

Other supporters were Derek Alpert, founder of Concern II in Los Angeles; Steve and Eileen Yoelin; Michael and Laura Carr; Dori Freedman; Brian Globerman; Lori Leaf; Cathy Markowitz, and Karen Raab.