Diamond Empowerment Fund® (D.E.F.) has planned to host its first international fundraising event that will take forward its objective to raise awareness and funds for economically disadvantaged people in African nations. The event is entitled DEF London: Diamonds in the Sky, to be held on 8th November 2010 at Altitude 360, London.

Fund raising will be through an exclusive live auction of lots consisting of diamond jewellery, travel packages and celebrity experiences. An on-line fundraising auction will coincide with the London event from November 2-30 on www.charitybuzz.com.

Founded and based in the United States since 2007, Diamond Empowerment Fund is a non-profit organization aiming to raise monies for education initiatives for African communities based around diamond mines alongside education for Africa. The D.E.F has two named beneficiary organizations, CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, that promote higher education in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The DEF London: Diamonds in the Sky event will host co-chairs - Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company, Anna Martin, Managing Director, Diamonds & Jewellery Origination & Client Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank, Justin Etzin, Chairman of Altitude London and Seychelles Capital. International entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons, co-founder of the D.E.F will be present as the honourary chairman of the event.

The agenda also includes an honour to Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers and Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, for their business leadership, strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, and commitments especially in the areas of health and educational in Africa. Alumni from African Leadership Academy and CIDA City Campus will contribute a speech.

An attendance of international leaders in the world’s diamond market, London’s business, social and philanthropic communities, and current supporters of the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is expected.