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Two Industry Organizations Raise Almost $4 Million For Charity In Las Vegas June 04, 2014 (0 comments)
D.E.F. Diamonds In The Sky Las Vegas Raises More Than $1 Million For 'Diamonds Do Good' Mission
Las Vegas, NV—In its first U.S. gala, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) on May 29 brought together leaders of the international diamond jewelry industry, government officials from diamond producing nations, and celebrities to raise more than one million dollars for its global mission to support initiatives and programs that help diamond communities throughout the world.
Guests were treated to an exclusive performance by music icon Chaka Khan, and had the opportunity to mingle with celebrities such as Jaime King, Otis Williams of the Temptations, Denise Nicholas, and pop music artist Mair. The emcee for the evening was Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., civil rights leader and D.E.F. advisor.
D.E.F. presented the 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award to His Excellency, the Honorable President Ian Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, the largest producer of diamonds by value in the world. Accepting on behalf of the Republic of Botswana, the Honorable Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Kitso Mokaila said, “Our mineral wealth is a catalyst for improving the lives of our people. We will always associate with the Diamond Empowerment Fund for the many initiatives they take to ensure countries like ours are able to do what is necessary for its people”.
Michael Barnes, CEO of Signet Jewelers, presented the award to Minister Mokaila. He said, “Signet has been a supporter of D.E.F. since its inception in 2007 and we are committed to engaging our peers and our suppliers in D.E.F’s industry-wide initiative of corporate social responsibility. Our customers expect this of us. Our employees and others expect this of us. But quite frankly, we expect this of ourselves. We need to do this because it is the right thing to do”.
D.E.F’s co-founder Russell Simmons and Philippe Mellier, CEO of The De Beers Group of Companies, opened the program.
“I am pleased to welcome the industry leaders to Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas. Former [South African] President Nelson Mandela encouraged us to establish D.E.F to empower people in diamond communities throughout the world. We are here tonight to celebrate that a diamond equals love,” said Simmons.
Mellier reaffirmed this emotional connection. “The diamond moment when a man makes a commitment to a woman that will last a lifetime, drives everything we do. De Beers and Forevermark believe deeply in the power of diamonds to transform communities and build countries, and through our five decades of partnership with Botswana we know firsthand how diamonds can be harnessed to strengthen a democracy, elevate a people, and secure a country’s future. D.E.F. was founded on this premise, and as a founding member we continue this legacy of support and partnership through the Forevermark Promise Scholars Program,” he said.
Phyllis Bergman, president of D.E.F’s board of directors, added, “Tonight, the monies that we raise will enable D.E.F to support our existing beneficiaries, add new ones, and ensure growth, and continue to be a progressive and socially conscious organization focused on supporting good initiatives in all the countries in the world that benefit from the diamond and diamond jewelry business.”
Bergman also explained that D.E.F. will bring its message to global consumers under its new ‘Diamonds Do Good’ platform. Bruno Sané, global marketing director for Rio Tinto Diamonds, introduced D.E.F’s new Global Diamonds Do Good video and highlighted the importance of the new initiative in communicating to consumers how diamonds have a positive legacy. “We are also here as a sign of commitment that together we will communicate to consumers that diamonds are a global force for good that make a lasting difference for the communities in which we mine, in which we manufacture and sell diamonds,” he told the audience.
Premier Presenting Sponsors of Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas were Rio Tinto, Signet Jewelers Limited, and The De Beers Group of Companies. Premier Partner Sponsor was Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, and Premier Patron Sponsors were KGK Group, Le Vian Group, and Tiffany & Co. Special guests included Alrosa, represented by Vice-President Andrey Polyakov, and Dominion Diamonds, represented by CEO Robert Gannicott. D.E.F’s Empowerment Circle Partners include; Forevermark, Dalumi Group, Malca-Amit, Brilliant Earth, Exelco (Tolkowsky Diamonds), Leo Schachter Diamonds (The Leo Diamond), Sarine, and Tiffany & Co.
Left to right: Phyllis Bergman, D.E.F. board president and CEO, Mercury Ring; Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., D.E.F. co-founder and senior strategic advisor; 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan; Russell Simmons, D.E.F. co-founder and chairman.
Sweet 16! JFC Celebrates With $2.9 Million Raised In Two Vegas Events
Las Vegas, NV--Jewelers for Children’s 16th Annual Facets of Hope dinner and its second annual Rings Of Strength Tour helped to raise $2.9 million for children in need in the year ahead. Since its inception in 1999, JFC has raised more than $45 million.
The Rings of Strength Tour drew more than 150 participants to walk, run, or bike on Thursday, May 29, at 5:30 a.m. Walkers and runners were offered a 5K course from the Mandalay Bay Casino, while bicyclists were offered their choice of a leisurely 15K route or a more challenging 50K route. Participants built their own fundraising websites, and together collected nearly $ 75,000 to support Jewelers for Children.
"This has been incredible!" said Rebecca Foerster of Leo Schachter, a JFC board member who conceived the idea for the event. “We knew that year two would have growth, but nearly a 100% increase is amazing."
Above, Rings of Strength participants power up before the start of the event. Below, cyclists ready to depart for their 50K ride.
Both individuals and teams participated in the event. Teams were organized by Quality Gold, Blue Nile, Bigham Jewelers, Assurant Solutions, Women's Jewelry Association, Jewelers of America, Malca-Amit, JCK Rocks the Beach, American Gem Society/AGS Laboratories, John C. Nordt, Coast Diamonds, Massoyan Jewelers, Marco Bicego, Coast Diamonds, Absolute Brilliance, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Exclusif Brands, AGTA, Windsor Jewelers, Brinks, H.L. Manufacturing, Sy Kessler Sales, CASA Las Vegas, A.S. Diamonds, Premier Gem Corp., Robert's Jewelers, and Assurion.
The Facets of Hope dinner was held Sunday, June 1 at the Mandalay Bay. At the dinner, JFC recognized Mike Barnes, CEO of Sterling Inc., and Glenn and Susan Rothman of Hearts On Fire. Guests also heard from two people who have been helped by JFC: Ellen Taylor, a young cancer survivor whose mother, Ann, credits the care at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital with her daughter’s success, and Judy Tudor, a former foster child who spoke from personal experience about how CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) turned her life around.
“JFC is the industry’s charity and by being involved, you are helping us make a difference in the lives of children and their families,” said Ruth Batson, JFC board chair. “Over the past 16 years, we have touched the lives of so many children and their families.”
Batson announced that the charity will pledge $750,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, $725,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $600,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, $600,000 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 $100,000 to reward in a local grant social media voting campaign to be held later this year.
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect. Charity partners include 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 the Make-A-Wish International, and the Santa-America Fund.