The Crowd: Doctor a Pal to cancer survivors

Orange County is arguably one of the most socially active regions on the American landscape.

The number of nonprofit charitable events that take place week after week throughout the year would be unimaginable to most communities. Many of these events tend to be cookie-cutter in format, but in no way does that deter from the importance of the many causes that live and die by the funds raised at black-tie chicken dinners.

On occasion, an outstanding element will set an event apart. On Feb. 28 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, one such evening, created to benefit cancer research at the prestigious City of Hope, introduced a truly remarkable man.

Dr. Sumanta Kumar Pal, assistant professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutic Research at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, was the guest of honor, joining one of his patients, Frank DiBella, for a rousing night of community support aimed at funding Pal’s research efforts at City of Hope. The eloquent Pal, with the appearance of a well-groomed teenager, entered Cal State Los Angeles at the age of 13, graduated at 17 and began medical school at UCLA. His accomplishments in the field are legendary.

In August 2011, the evening’s co-honoree, DiBella, was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which had spread to his lungs, ribs and spine. DiBella was given two to three months to get his affairs in order. He had been in the care of some of the best doctors in Orange County, but was encouraged to seek another opinion and ended up in the office of Pal at City of Hope.

Pal advised DiBella that he could not guarantee an eradication of his cancer, but he felt that his treatment would prolong his life and give him a greater chance of survival. Pal’s innovative approach to cancer therapy has prolonged DiBella’s life, and three years after his diagnosis of death, he thrives.

DiBella is well known in philanthropic circles for his longtime association with comic actor Jerry Lewis. For more than 20 years, DiBella served as chairman of annual fundraising galas on behalf of muscular dystrophy, raising many millions of dollars for the cause. Now he has turned his attention to supporting the work of Pal, setting a goal of raising $1 million to fund Pal’s research at City of Hope.

The Saturday night event in Newport Beach, billed as Let’s Be Frank About Cancer, exceeded that lofty bar, raising more than $1.5 million at the first annual City of Hope Gala in Orange County.

The remarkable financial success can be attributed in large part to the major connections brought to the table by DiBella. He has spent his professional career as a business consultant, accounting and tax advisor, and deal maker representing some of the most powerful individuals and businesses.

Clients have included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Aristotle Onassis and Liberace, as well as prominent names familiar to Orange County, including Milan Panic and the uber-generous and philanthropic S. Paul and Marybelle Musco.

Additional generous support for the evening came from Art Kazarian, John Postma, Mike Russell, Wayne Smith, Bret Hardin, Antonio Cagnolo, Kristilyn Goff and Hausman family members including Mary Jo Hausman and Teri Hausman. Also supporting City of Hope were Charlene Prager, Kelly Dye, Stacy and Aleksander Renshaw, the Island Hotel’s charming Barbara Eidson, and co-master of ceremonies for the evening Ray Jacobi and broadcast journalist Jann Carl. Corporate sponsorship came from MP Biomedicals LLC, Gemini Resources, Mobilitie, Ancon and Medical Waste Services/Mottra Corp., to name only a few.

The gala was fronted by distinguished leaders, including Robert Stone, president and CEO at City of Hope, and Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown addressed the audience following the live auction, conducted by local talented host Jim Roberts, stating, “I don’t spend my own money. I only spend the taxpayers’ money.” The intended joke brought a combination of laughter and jeers from a largely Republican audience.

Brown has not been a regular fixture on the Orange County social scene. His appearance at the City of Hope Gala was a strong testament to the work of Pal and, in a larger sense, to the importance of finding viable treatments and an eventual cure for cancer. Brown went on to say that everyone has been touched by cancer, including his own family. The crowd applauded, acknowledging the seriousness of the night.

The Island Hotel team, in conjunction with the party organizers, did an outstanding job under the supervision of the Island’s new general manager, Gerard G. Widder. A gourmet dinner that began with an arugula salad with roasted apples, pomegranates and pecans was followed by an entrée of petite filet mignon with Chilean sea bass.

For dessert, guests were served a chocolate raspberry dome and a crisp apple tart in caramel sauce and ice cream. Music for the evening came from Matt Mauser and the Pete Jacobs Band paying tribute to Frank Sinatra.

THE CROWD runs Fridays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.