(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Jewelers for Children held its annual Facets of Hope event on Sunday June 4, in Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort. Brian Duffy of Watches of Switzerland and Jack and Dominick Gabriel of Gabriel & Co., were honored as the organization marked 25 years of helping children in need.
The charity announced that $ 950,000 had been raised to support their charity partners, bringing the cumulative total donated since 1999 to more than $ 61 million. “It’s just amazing to have so much support from the industry for this great cause,” said Alan Zimmer, JFC board chair. “Brian, Jack and Dominick, along with our entire fundraising committee truly stepped up this year and we could not be more appreciative for their efforts.”
The event featured a casual format with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the formal program, followed by food stations and dessert options. A silent auction, two sponsored photo booths and merchandise sales were held to raise additional funds for the organization’s charity partners. During the program, attendees heard from Nishimwe Emeline.
During his remarks, Zimmer announced that the charity was pledging to support their charity partners with donations of $200,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, $200,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $225,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and $225,000 to the National CASA Association. Also announced was a commitment of $50,000 to Make-A-Wish International for wish granting in India, and $50,000 to the Organization for Autism Research.
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission enhancing the lives of children. Since its inception, JFC has donated more than $ 61 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect.