Jewelers for Children held the 19th edition of the Facets of Hope event on June 7, in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The charity announced that $ 2.2 million had been raised to support their charity partners in the year ahead bringing the cumulative total since 1999 to $ 53.5 million had been donated on behalf of the industry to help children in need. “What an amazing milestone for the charity, and particularly for our industry, said Dennis Ulrich, JFC board chair and one of the evening’s honorees. Over the past 19 years, we have touched the lives of so many thousands of children and their families.”
The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the program. During the program, the organization recognized Charles Stanley, president of Forevermark USA, part of the De Beers Group of Companies and Yancy Weinrich, Senior Vice President for the JCK Shows, Luxury and JIS. Guests heard a violin performance from eight year-old Caesar, whose wish to meet Itzhak Perlman was granted by Make-A-Wish America. The program also included Josephine Nabukenya, an ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
The evening included a watch give-away, silent auction and live auction. Attendees bid on original paintings by talented artists Angie Crabtree, known for her stunning diamond themed creations and Reena Ahluwalia, jewellery designer and artist extraordinaire.
Attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy dessert, coffee and after-dinner cocktails, as well as a jazz band, during an after-party sponsored by Hallmark Jewelry for the second year in a row.
Ulrich announced that the charity was pledging $ 500,000 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, $ 575,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $ 500,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, $ 450,000 to the National CASA Association, $ 100,000 to Make-A-Wish India and $ 25,000 to the Santa-America Fund. The organization is also setting aside $ 50,000 to reward in a local grants, social media voting campaign to be held later this year.
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewellery industry with the mission of helping children in need. Since its inception, JFC has donated more than $ 53 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 Association. JFC also provides support to Make-A-Wish® International, and the Santa-America Fund.