The BCF FlutterBlog

Jan. 22: Book Signing with BCF’s Pediatric Spokesperson Chef Jack

flutterblogger — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:50:13 +0000

Vote Moti Ferder as OC’s Kindest and Most Generous Business Owner

flutterblogger — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:50:43 +0000

As one of Beckstrand’s strongest supporters, Moti Ferder of Lugano Diamonds has shown extraordinary kindness and generosity to the cancer community. You can help Moti win the Orange County Register’s annual Holiday Spirit award, which is given to Orange County’s kindest and most generous business owner. Voting ends today at Noon! Vote here: http://ocregister.upickem.net/engine/Votes.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=46223#SubmissionDisplay

Mini Pearls Book Fair at Barnes & Noble Fashion Island – This Weekend!

flutterblogger — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:41:09 +0000

This weekend (Nov. 5 & 6), Mini Pearls will be hosting a fundraiser book drive at Barnes & Noble in Fashion Island. Shoppers can help two ways: By purchasing books in-store or online, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Mini Pearls of Beckstrand; or they can choose to purchase a book and donate it to local kids with cancer through Mini Pearls. Click the link below to print the voucher, then take it in when you make your purchase — or make your purchases online using this code: 10582468. Let’s make a difference for kids with cancer!

Barnes and Noble Event Voucher

Fran Drescher Named 2011 Honoree for The Diamond & Pearl Ball

flutterblogger — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:45:20 +0000

CANCER SURVIVOR, ADVOCATE, AND GOLDEN GLOBE- AND EMMY-NOMINATED ACTRESS FRAN DRESCHER NAMED HONOREE FOR BECKSTRAND’S 2011 DIAMOND & PEARL BALL

Eva La Rue, Star of CSI: Miami and Beckstrand’s National Spokesperson, to Host Moulin Rouge-themed Gala with Philanthropist Renetta Caya Serving as Gala Chair for Second Consecutive Year

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2011) — Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving and enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and their families, today announced that its honoree for The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2011 on October 22 will be Fran Drescher, a cancer survivor and advocate best known for her Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated performances as television’s title character in “The Nanny.” Lugano Diamonds will serve as the event’s Presenting Sponsor and has also donated a one-of-a-kind live auction package, which will allow the winning bidder to step behind-the-scenes of the diamond industry during a luxury getaway in Tel Aviv, Israel. To top off the experience, the winner will have the opportunity to make the very first cut on a rough diamond, resulting in a 1.5 carat stone with VS clarity that will be delivered to them upon their return.

The black-tie gala will be hosted by Eva La Rue, the Foundation’s National Spokesperson and star of “CSI:Miami,” as well as Beckstrand’s Executive Director, Lil Spitzer. Serving as Gala Chair for the second consecutive year will be philanthropist Renetta Caya. Each year, The Diamond & Pearl Ball represents a celebration of cancer survivorship and acts as a reminder for its attendees how much the local cancer community needs their help. Proceeds from the event are used by Beckstrand Cancer Foundation to provide cancer patients with advocacy and direct financial assistance for critical survival needs, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, food, gas and transportation, medical insurance, copayments and prescriptions. Since 1974, the Foundation has been providing patients with support that enables them to remain focused on treatment and recovery. The theme for this year’s gala is “An Evening at Moulin Rouge” and will include authentic Parisian décor and can-can dance revue, boutique wine, gourmet food, and live and silent auctions.

“The Diamond & Pearl Ball is a way for the community to come together for a cause that affects more than 1 million people each year,” shared Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “We’re so proud to honor Ms. Drescher, an inspirational survivor and a woman who has a remarkable story to share with our guests.”

Lugano Diamonds is Presenting Sponsor of the Gala, with wine provided by Donati Family Vineyard and vehicles sponsored by Aston Martin Newport Beach. The Opportunity Drawing for the evening, a $2,500 shopping spree, is by Fashion Island. To learn more about Beckstrand Cancer Foundation and The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2011 – An Evening at Moulin Rouge, or to reserve seating, visit www.beckstrand.org or call 949-955-0099.

Lugano Diamonds Donates Incredible Live Auction Package!

flutterblogger — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:45:22 +0000

PRESENTING SPONSOR LUGANO DIAMONDS DONATES LIVE AUCTION PACKAGE WITH HIGH BIDDING POTENTIAL FOR BECKSTRAND’S 2011 DIAMOND & PEARL BALL

Owners Moti and Idit Ferder Target Philanthropists and Diamond Lovers with Luxury Israeli Getaway

Lugano Diamonds, the Presenting Sponsor for Beckstrand’s black-tie fundraiser gala The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2011, has made an extraordinary donation. The one-of-a-kind live auction package is generating buzz, which will likely lead to very generous bids at the Oct. 22 gala; the proceeds of which will be used to assist financially burdened cancer patients during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Lugano Diamonds, a premiere jeweler located in Newport Beach, is known for its exquisite private jewelry collection.

The winning bidder will have an opportunity to enter the inner sanctum of the diamond industry with an exclusive tour by Moti Ferder of Lugano Diamonds’ Tel Aviv headquarters and the Diamond Bourse. Once inside, you will be instructed on how to make the very first cut on a rough diamond that will result in a stunning stone of at least 1.5 carats with VS clarity (upgrades available), which will be further sculpted, polished, sent to GIA for certification and named in your honor. The beautiful, finished stone will then be set and delivered to you after your return to the United States.

Your once-in-a-lifetime Tel Aviv experience begins with $5,000 to apply to airfare for two, as well as chauffeured transfers to one of Israel’s most luxurious 5-star hotels, where you will stay for 6 nights and 7 days. While in Israel, you will explore the most hallowed sites in Jerusalem, dine at distinguished restaurants, take in the exciting entertainment and enjoy unprecedented access to a visiting dignitary and person of historical importance.

“We’re grateful for the generous support of our friends at Lugano Diamonds, who recognize the relevance of our mission and programs, and are doing everything they can to extend assistance to the cancer community,” shared Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “This live auction package truly represents an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most memorable destinations.”

To read more about Lugano Diamonds’ live auction package and The Diamond & Pearl Ball 2011 – An Evening at Moulin Rouge, or to reserve seating, visit www.diamondandpearlball.com or call 949-955-0099.

Expect Miracles Foundation Supports BCF Art Therapy Program

flutterblogger — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:56:24 +0000

Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving and enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and their families, today announced it is among the cancer-related charities designated to receive funds from the upcoming Third Annual West Coast Classic Golf Event to be hosted by Expect Miracles Foundation (formerly Mutual Funds Against Cancer) on Sept. 19 at The Resort at Pelican Hill. The funds will be applied to the Beckstrand Art Therapy Program and will support activities for pediatric patients at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. The Expect Miracles Foundation is one of the leading advocates in the fight against cancer within the financial services industry. The Foundation’s supporters consist of the top financial firms and leading executives nation-wide.
     “It is heartening to partner with an organization that understands the importance of a program which allows children with cancer to have a creative outlet for emotional expression in the safety of a therapeutic environment,” explained George O’Connell, President of the Board of Directors for Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “We value the steps taken by Expect Miracles Foundation to make a significant and positive difference in the lives of cancer patients and are grateful to be participating in this golf event alongside 200 like-minded senior financial executives.”
     Members of the healthcare community are increasingly turning to alternative and complementary therapies to reduce patients’ symptoms, improve quality of life, and boost their ability to cope with stress. The Beckstrand Art Therapy Program uses art and psychoanalysis to aid children and teens with cancer in their recovery, ameliorating physical and emotional pain and fostering psychological growth during treatment. A wide range of tools and techniques are used to encourage children to relax, communicate and share their experiences in non-threatening ways.
     To learn more about Beckstrand’s Art Therapy Program visit www.beckstrand.org. To become a sponsor or reserve a foursome spot at the Third Annual West Coast Classic, contact Expect Miracles Foundation at www.expectmiraclesfoundation.org.

Oday Shakar: Now Available at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island

flutterblogger — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:32:46 +0000

Been waiting patiently for Oday Shakar to hit the racks at your local luxury retailer? Well, wait no longer. Oday Shakar gowns are now available at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island! Now’s your chance to channel your inner fashionista with designs worn by Hollywood favorites like CSI: Miami’s Eva La Rue, Castle’s Stana Katic, Carmen Electra, Audrina Patridge, Christina Milian, and Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock, who donned Shakar’s sequin cowl mini dress to accept her Generation Award at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.

Oday Shakar was one of 10 finalists in the 2010 Oscar Designer Challenge and has appeared in an LG Phone commercial alongside Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria. On October 22, a custom couture gown by Oday Shakar will be auctioned at The Diamond & Pearl Ball — complete with handbag and shoes from Neiman Marcus — to benefit cancer patients through Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. Visit http://www.diamondandpearlball.com to learn more and don’t forget to make your plans to shop Oday Shakar at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island.

Pipeline Promotions, Inc. Lends Support to BCF

flutterblogger — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:30:28 +0000

Special thanks to Pipeline Promotions, Inc. and its President, Darryl Shinder, for their generous support of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. Pipeline provides a wide range of marketing products and services including embroidery and screen printing (we love their custom t-shirts!). Visit them online at http://www.pipelinepromotions.com or stop by 1351 Logan Avenue, Unit C, in Costa Mesa.

Prizes for Placed Runners at Hope & Harmony!

flutterblogger — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:38:28 +0000

Here’s your sneak peek at the contents of the placed runners’ prize baskets at this month’s Hope & Harmony Run/Walk. First place mens and womens runners will receive amazing prizes, including 3 new pairs of shoes from ASICS, RoadRunner Sports and A Snail’s Pace — along with a Hope & Harmony shirt, BCF hat, Drymax cushion socks, RedStar sunglasses, Starbucks tumbler and beverage products and a free registration for next year’s race! It’s a prize package valued at more than $400!!!! Second and third place finishers will also receive prize packages with various sponsored items.

Don’t worry, kids, we didn’t forget you either: The first place winner of the 1-mile Kids Run will receive custom “build-it-yourself” Reebok shoes, 1 week of kids camp at Camp James in Irvine (go karts, water slides, rock climbing wall & more!), shirt, Starbucks eco-friendly kids tumbler, hat and free registration for next year’s race.

Registration is still open. Log on to www.Active.com, keyword “Hope & Harmony” or visit www.ochopeandharmony.com to participate in the 5K or Kids Run races. We’ll see you there!

Join CSI: Miami’s Eva La Rue on Feb. 26

flutterblogger — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:19:19 +0000

Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving and enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and their families, today announced its National Spokesperson, CSI: Miami’s Eva La Rue, will run in the organization’s second annual Hope & Harmony Run/Walk on February 26, 2011. The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile kids run starting at 9:30 a.m. Hosted at Hidden Valley Park in the Verizon Amphitheatre/Wild Rivers complex in Irvine, the event is expected to draw as many as 500 spectators, athletes and volunteers.

All proceeds from the Hope & Harmony Run/Walk will benefit programs that provide direct assistance to local patients whose diagnosis has resulted in financial burden. These programs help with day-to-day basic needs, such as rent/mortgage, food, gas, utilities, health insurance premiums, medical co-payments and prescriptions. Since 1974, the Foundation has served as a resource for the cancer community, alleviating financial burden so that patients can focus on treatment and recovery.

Runners/walkers can participate as individuals or as teams in the 5k race. Kids under age 14 can participate as individuals or as teams in the 1-mile race. All races will be timed and winners will be announced. Also, as a thank you to participants, a carnival-themed finish line will contribute to the fun race environment, and will include food from local vendors, music, and other post-event race activities. Presenting Sponsor is O’Connell Landscape Maintenance; Kids Zone sponsor is McCarthy Building Companies, and other event sponsors include ASICS, Newport Lexus, California Bank & Trust, Shulman Bunn, A Snail’s Pace, Walmart, Red Star Sunglasses, Starbucks, PopChips, Nestle, Copy Group, Inc. Sportastic, McCormick & Schmick’s, Chapman Radio, American Eagle Car Rental, Roadrunner Sports and Frito-Lay.

Registration for the 5K is $40/pp and includes t-shirt, bib number and goody bag. Placed winners will receive recognition gifts. Children can sign up for the 1-mile kids run for just $30/pp and receive a t-shirt, bib number, goody bag and race recognition gift. Online registration is available at www.ochopeandharmony.com or at http://www.Active.com keyword “Hope & Harmony.”