In the fray of raising support for its initiatives, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) is organising a fund raising event during the American Gemological Society’s (AGS) Conclave. The DEF party entitled ‘Diamonds at the W’ party will be held on April 26 and will host a ‘Raffle for Education’.

Cathy Calhoun, a DEF governing board member and president of AGS, says, “Both the AGS and DEF understand the importance of education and promoting ethical business practices. AGS members develop superior skills and knowledge that ultimately helps protect the consumer. Through our industry’s support of DEF, student scholars are developing the skills and knowledge to be the next generation of leaders in Africa.”

DEF has outlined various prizes for the raffle including: two tickets to Russell Simmons’ celebrity filled ‘Art for Life’ benefit at his home in Southampton, New York; a four-night stay during JCK Las Vegas at THEHotel; two tickets to the 51st Rolex 24 at Daytona including a ‘behind the scenes garage tour’ by the Chip Ganassi Racing team compliments of the Gordon Group.

Phyllis Bergman, DEF president, adds, “We are so pleased to be able to offer AGS attendees an opportunity to get to know DEF a bit better and to aid our three beneficiaries. DEF’s beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, in Johannesburg, the African Leadership Academy, in Johannesburg and the Botswana Top Achievers program.

Unique raffle items will also be available by media sponsor Haute Living. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets at the door or through DEF’s website, diamondempowerment.org.

Sponsors for the event include, W Hotel South Beach, Bombay Sapphire, Haute Living, JCK, RideCentric and GIA. DEF will be sharing part of its proceeds from the ‘Raffle for Education’ with the Jewelers for Children benefit.