(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Jewelers for Children held its annual Facets of Hope event on Sunday June 12, in Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort.
The charity announced that $1,120,000 had been raised to support its charity partners bringing the total support from the jewelry industry since 1999 to more than $60 million. “This year is truly a remarkable milestone for the charity, said Alan Zimmer, JFC board chair. With two strong honorees, along with our entire fundraising committee, we surpassed $60 million in support to our charity partners. This is something the entire industry can take pride in.”
The format of the event this year provided for a more informal affair, with an emphasis on networking, one of the attendee’s favorite parts of the evening. During the event, honorees Dave Meleski of the Richline Group and Craig Stern of Rogers Enterprises were recognized. Both agreed to serve as honorees this year and stepped up to raise substantial amounts of money for the charity. The group also heard from 7 year-old Annie, whose wish to be a farmer was granted by Make-A-Wish America.
The charity intends to donate $ 225,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, $235,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $ 235,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and $ 300,000 to the National CASA/GAL Association. Also announced was a commitment of $ 75,000 to Make-A-Wish International for wish granting in India, and $ 50,000 to the Organization for Autism Research.
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children in need. Since its inception, JFC has donated more than $ 60 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect through our charity partners St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish America, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the National CASA/GAL Association. JFC also provides support to Make-A-Wish International, and the Organization for Autism Research