Press Releases

Jewelers for Children Board Newsletter for September Is Out

Don’t miss JFC at The INSTORE Jewelry Show in Chicago at Booth 647.

Published

2 months ago

September 26, 2025

Press Releases

Jewelers for Children has released its Board Newsletter for September.

News items include:

A Letter from JFC Board Chair Jeffrey Cohen

Being Chairman of JFC’s Board of Directors is both a privilege and a deeply important responsibility. For 27 years, JFC has worked to leverage the benevolence and unity of our industry to serve children who do not have the opportunities they deserve. We know that every child should be healthy, fed, educated and loved. Your work makes that possible for thousands of children annually, and I cannot thank you enough for your commitment to JFC, our work and the kids that benefit from JFC funding.

For the past two years we have exceeded our fundraising goals. We have put structures in place that make us a more efficient organization. We have brought on board members who are making an impact in all facets of what we do. In my time as Chairman I have watched JFC thrive, and it is because of your work in committees, at events and with your teams that we have accomplished so much.

Now, I pass the Chairmanship to Mr. Craig Stern. Craig is an innovator, a kind leader and a friend. I am grateful that JFC is passing into his more than capable hands. But, I could not step down without first taking a moment to tell you how much I value the JFC Board, our donors and every single one of you committed to making sure as many kids as possible have access to the best life they can. Together, as an industry, we are building a brighter future one child at a time.

Thank you,

Jeffrey Cohen

Facets 2026

Jewelers for Children Board Newsletter for September Is Out

Work has begun on Facets 2026. Bobbi Hansen is stepping into our Event Chair role, and she has big plans for creating an event that everyone will look forward to. Along with the event committee she is exploring new floorplans, ways to showcase the auction and increase money raised in the room. On top of tangible changes, Bobbi is thinking about the identity of Facets, how to make it a night of joy and celebration.

Eric Horowitz has taken on the Fundraising Chair position. JFC’s Fundraising Committee is the heart of our revenue acquisition, a well-seasoned group devoted to JFC’s cause. Eric is instituting changes to make for easier and more streamlined fundraising, with more support and collateral available to committee members. Eric’s leadership is sure to help the committee thrive.

Please welcome both Eric and Bobbi to their new Chair seats, and take a moment in this time of transition to consider how you will be a part of Facets 2026. Join us on one of the Facets Committees, make your gift, donate to the auction or consider more ways to enhance the event with your unique talents. We look forward to each JFC Board Member being a part of Facets this year.

Committee Service

October 1st is the first day of Fiscal Year 2026 at JFC. As we start the new year, please take a moment to consider which committee you would like to serve on in FY26. All JFC Board Members should serve on one committee, but if multiple committees speak to you please join as many as you like. Most committees meet quarterly. Email Sara at [email protected] to get more information about which committees are open or to switch your committee.

Halloween Challenge Theme

We are happy to announce that the 2025 JFC Halloween Costume Challenge will be themed Heroes and Villains. The challenge will pit industry leaders against each other to raise funds for JFC. But only one person wins, and they will dress-up in character on Halloween. The Challenge will begin October 20th, look out in your inbox for more details. If you would like to consider joining the challenge as a competitor learn more here.

Reach Out and Read

New JFC Nonprofit Partner Reach Out and Read is hosting a national summit in Washington DC. The gathering will convene Early Relational Health champions who envision a future where every child benefits from strong, nurturing relationships in supportive communities. Leaders from across multiple fields will bring the diversity of perspectives and influence required to cultivate cross-sector, culturally responsive solutions that help children thrive. Please let Sara know if you would like to attend.

Get more information here.

The INSTORE Jewelry Show

Don’t miss JFC at The INSTORE Jewelry Show in Chicago at booth 647. Our booth will have JFC swag and info. We will also have jewelry for sale from our friends at Gabriel, Richline and Maya Caroleena, as well as watches from Brosway. Participating at shows allows JFC to meet new donors on both the retail and vendor sides, while staying top-of-mind for existing donors to ensure they stay engaged and giving. If you visit a show you think would be a good fit for JFC, email Sara and she can reach out to show management.

Learn more here.

Save the Dates

Please make sure you have saved the following dates for JFC:

September 28-29: JFC at the INSTORE Show (Chicago)

October 15th, 2pm EST: First 2026 Fundraising Comm Meeting (online)

November 17, 2pm EST: First 2026 Event Comm Meeting (online)

January 13th, 2pm EST: JFC Winter Board Meeting (online)

February 1-4: JFC at Centurion Jewelry Show (Phoenix)

May 31st, 2026: Facets 2026 (Las Vegas)

Exceeding Every Expectation: How Wilkerson Helped d’Original Jewelers Achieve an Outstanding Retirement Sale

When David Rees decided to retire after 34 years of serving Bellevue, Washington’s Eastside, he and his wife knew their exit from d’Original Jewelers needed to honor their decades-long commitment to customers while meeting their financial goals. Since opening in 1990, David had built a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted names for diamonds, custom jewelry, and repairs. Understanding that a successful retirement sale requires more than just discounting merchandise, David chose Wilkerson to manage his transition. What impressed him most was their attention to detail, particularly in accounting and sales projections. The results far exceeded his expectations — the sale significantly outperformed projections, delivering exceptional financial results that surpassed his retirement goals. “They were always there for support. If we needed anything, they were able to accomplish that,” David shares. For jewelers contemplating retirement, David’s experience demonstrates Wilkerson’s proven ability to deliver outstanding results while providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. His recommendation? “100% yes.”