Sharing the Spirit

Amalfi Estates Sponsors American Cancer Society Cal Spirit Fundraiser

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

After two years of tuning in from home, Palisadians are invited back in person to an event “where culinary arts, cocktails and creativity collide to fight cancer.”

Pacific Palisades-based Amalfi Estates is sponsoring American Cancer Society’s main Los Angeles fundraiser, California Spirit, which will take place on Sunday, October 2, starting at 4 p.m.

The cause is personal for Anthony Marguleas, founder of Amalfi Estates, who met his wife, Sue, while being treated for rhabdomyosarcoma—a rare, soft tissue cancer typically found in pediatric patients—at the age of 26.

“Having been diagnosed with cancer at 26 and going through radiation, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, I saw firsthand how devastating the effects of cancer have on the patient and their family,” Marguleas shared. “The American Cancer Society is a fantastic organization that has been supporting families for decades through its incredible medical research. I have much to be thankful for and want to give back to this great organization.

“I was very fortunate to have an identical twin brother with whom I used his bone marrow, and I met my wonderful wife, Sue, who was my primary nurse while I was getting treatments.”

Billed as a food and wine tasting festival, this marks the 38th annual iteration of the event, which is returning to an in-person celebration at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City after two virtual years in response to COVID-19-related restrictions.

“Established by Wolfgang Puck and Sherry Lansing, and championed by Hollywood’s biggest foodie—Phil Rosenthal—Cal Spirit presented by Amalfi Estates’ energy and vibes mark it as one of the most acclaimed food events in Southern California,” the press release continued.

The event is slated to bring together more than 450 corporate, industry and community leaders, with a goal of enjoying culinary creations from LA-based chefs and restaurants.

This year’s event will be emceed by Billy Harris, with the list of participants including Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Goin, Neal Fraser, Govind Armstrong, Sherry Yard, Burt Bakman, Valerie Gordon, Sara Kramer, Sarah Hymanson, Jorge Alvarez, Mark Rosati, Johnny Ray Zone, Jazz Singsanong, Dara Yu and Scott Kaylin.

Participating restaurants include Mozza, A.O.C., SLAB, By the Yard, Valerie Confections, The Lobster, Tacos 1986, Redbird, Kismet, Shake Shack, Howlin Ray’s, Sweetfin, Jitlada, The Gourmandise Cooking School of Sweets and Savories and Kaylin + Kaylin Pickles.

“I am so very excited about this year’s Cal Spirit presented by Amalfi Estates event being back in person again to support such an incredible organization on their mission to find a cure for cancer,” Event Chair Jae Wu shared in a statement. “This event is such a meaningful and enjoyable way to raise funds and support our friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, all folks that I know that have had to battle cancer. By chairing this event, it has given me the opportunity to make a difference by volunteering and taking action.”

Since its inception almost 40 years ago, Cal Spirit has raised more than $17 million for American Cancer Society.

“All proceeds from California Spirit presented by Amalfi Estates benefit the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer,” the Cal Spirit website read. “The American Cancer Society is the largest private funder of cancer research in the United States, with more than $5 billion invested in life-saving research for cancer prevention, detection and treatment.”

For tickets or additional information, visit calspirit.org.