(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Jewelers for Children held its 21st annual Facets of Hope event on June 2, in Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort. This year’s event marked a move back to the Venetian after a number of years at Mandalay Bay. The move coincided with the relocation of the JCK Show to the Sands Expo Center.
The charity announced that $ 1.3 million had been raised to support their charity partners in the year ahead bringing the cumulative total since 1999 to $ 56.7 million that has been donated on behalf of the industry to help children in need. “Each and every year it’s amazing how generous our industry is to children in need. said Pam Mortensen, JFC board chair. The stories from our charity partners and the number of children we have reached is something we can all feel very proud of.”
The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the program. During the program, the organization recognized Judy Fisher of Reeds Jewelers and David Bonaparte of Jewelers of America. Guests were also treated to a performance by 16 year-old Aniya who had her wish granted when she got to meet performer Jessie J.
The group also heard from Jackie who aged out of the foster care system and is now in college. The evening also included a watch give-away as well as a silent and live auction.
This year, JFC combined forces with the JCK Show for a high-energy, fun-filled after party at Tao. All attendees at the Facets of Hope could attend and Tao Beach was set aside for JFC supporters to mingle and enjoy the evening.
During the program, Mortensen announced that the $ 1.3 million the charity was pledging included $ 300,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, $ 350,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $ 300,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and $ 250,000 to the National CASA Association. Also announced was a commitment of
$ 50,000 to Make-A-Wish International for wish granting in India, and $ 15,000 to the Santa-America Fund, and $ 35,000 to the Organization for Autism Research.
An online, flip book copy of the commemorative journal from the event can be viewed here and on the JFC website, thanks to the support of Centurion Jewelry Shows.