Supporters and guests of Kure It Cancer Research, which raises money to support research for underfunded cancers through its annual Rivals United for a Kure Gala, gathered at the stately Newport Coast home of developer Steve Craig on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Guests were encouraged to bring a bottle of wine to share and a high-end one to donate to the group’s wine auction to be held during the annual gala this November.
The evening was an opportunity for guests to hear from two cancer researchers who have benefited from the proceeds raised at the gala.
Given that “Rivals” refers to the legendary football rivalry between UCLA and USC, the funds raised at the gala are evenly distributed to USC Norris and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
The evening’s hors d’oeuvres were hosted by Bluewater Grill of Newport Beach, represented by owner Jim and Julie Ann
Ulcickas, while Mintie Wines and Spirits provided the upscale Olivi Wines from Tuscany. John Agamalian, representing Blue Ice Vodka, provided the vodka.
Others of note included Kure It Cancer Research Founder Barry Hoeven (Corona del Mar resident); Paul McDonald (Newport Beach resident), former USC and NFL star quarterback and Rivals United for a Kure founding gala co-host (who served as emcee for the reception); and Ray Bustamante, 2015 gala chair.
McDonald stated that in 2014, Kure It was able to grant $500,000 to Jonsson and Norris and pledge another $500,000, totaling a $1 million grant. Bustamante encouraged everyone to attend this year’s Rivals United for a Kure Gala, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at City Club Los Angeles.
For more information, visit RivalsUnitedforaKure.org.
