Press Releases

WJA Opens Awards for Excellence Gala Ticket Sales with Early-Bird Pricing through September 2021

The fundraiser will directly support WJA’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and responsible business and sustainability education scholarships for its members.

Published

3 years ago

September 16, 2021

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) On October 20, 2021, the Women’s Jewelry Association will host its annual Awards for Excellence Gala at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The VIP fundraiser will dazzle with an exclusive, in-person event as well as offer hundreds more the opportunity to tune-in virtually for an evening of networking and to celebrate its two Visionary Award winners: Karen Goracke, CEO of Borsheims, and Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week.

Tickets are currently available on the WJA website for the in-person and virtual events with early-bird pricing in effect through the end of September. A portion of the ticket sales will directly benefit The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 corporation created to support WJA’s mission of providing educational scholarships and business grants that allow women to reach their full career potential.

Sponsorships are also available to support the fundraising event and WJA’s myriad of programs, including its Conversations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion events, and WJA’s Masterclass leadership development series.

During the event, WJA will share the importance of operating a responsible and sustainably-minded business and will showcase how its industry partners have embraced this business model. WJA Foundation will invite guests to learn more about its innovative and forward-looking Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Fund which enables industry leaders, emerging designers and students to apply for scholarships to attend New York University’s world-renowned, online sustainability programs.

In-person attendees can expect an extended cocktail hour, theater-style awards program, and an after-party offering ample time to mingle with industry leaders and colleagues. The virtual Awards for Excellence Gala will include the full in-person program, including the awards ceremony. Participants will also hear from a special keynote speaker, Tensie Whelan, the former President of Rainforest Alliance and the current Director of New York University’s Center for Sustainable Business. She will outline the growing importance of sustainability practices in business, and the opportunities that exist for the jewelry and watch industry to embed these practices in its business models.

In-person and virtual tickets are available at: www.womensjewelryassociation.com

WJA invites companies that foster responsible business practices to join as sponsors for its gala. More information can be found here: womensjewelryassociation.com/awardsforexcellence

Donations to WJA Foundation can be made directly here: womensjewelryassociation.com/foundation

An additional way to support WJA is through its online auction opening on October 1, 2021. Details will be forthcoming.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”