My Nonprofit Reviews

I’ve been active in charitable organizations for over 40 years, but I have never been to a fundraising event that was as engaging, energizing and as much fun as the Pacific Heart Lung & Blood Institute’s “5K Walk/Hike for Meso(thelioma)!”

The event took-over a portion of Paramount Ranch, a best kept secret of old Hollywood. It’s now a State Park, but used to be where Paramount Pictures and TV networks shot their Westerns. The back drop of a ghost town, coupled with the beautiful hiking trails of the Santa Monica Mountains, was both peaceful and an inspirational means to honor the donors, many of whom had loved-ones who succumbed to the Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos.

Informational posters regarding Meso lined the hiking path and there was a contest for kids and adults who could recall everything that was posted. A talented Steele Dan tribute band: The $6 Billion Dollar Band performed brilliantly and a gourmet hot lunch with a choice of 2 delicious entrées was catered by Italia’s Deli – a well-known Century City haunt, satiated all our senses.

A short interlude to thank our sponsors, honor our loved-one lost, and those still with us followed by more uplifting music and prizes, silent auction wins…and a “PowerBall” opportunity that I had never seen before…but it was so much fun and got everyone into the spirit of giving to our cause. Best event ever! I can’t wait to bring more friends to the next one.