JFC celebrates 25 years at Facets of Hope Brian

(NEW YORK) - Jewelers for Children held their annual Facets of Hope event on Sunday June 4, in Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort. Brian Duffy of Watches of Switzerland and Jack and Dominick Gabriel of Gabriel & Co., were honored as the organization marked 25 years of helping children in need.

The charity announced that $950,000 had been raised to support their charity partners, bringing the cumulative total donated since 1999 to more than $61 mil-

Duffy and Jack and Dominick Gabriel honored

lion. “It’s just amazing to have so much support from the industry for this great cause,” said Alan Zimmer, JFC board chair. “Brian, Jack and Dominick, along with our entire fundraising committee truly stepped up this year and we could not be more appreciative for their efforts.”

The event featured a casual format with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the formal program, followed by food stations and dessert options. A silent auction, two sponsored photo booths and merchandise sales were held to raise additional funds for the organization’s charity partners.

Zimmer announced that JFC was pledging to support their charity partners with donations of $200,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, $200,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $225,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and $225,000 to the National CASA Association. Also announced was a commitment of $50,000 to Make-A-Wish International for wish granting in India, and $50,000 to the Organization for Autism Research.

Jewelers for Children holds annual Rings of Strength event

On Thursday June 1, Jewelers for Children held their annual Rings of Strength event at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. This marks the 11th year of the event that originated in Las Vegas and has spread to multiple location across the country.

The first event was held in 2013 and attracted participants who walked, ran and biked. The event was named after a silver ring engraved with the word “Strength” that a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gave to a fellow patient. The story of Odie and Maggie has motivated participants to raise more than $500,000 over the years.

The Las Vegas event kicked off at 5:30 a.m., to avoid the heat of the day and more than 120 participants signed up to walk or run a 5K along the colorful Las Vegas strip. Volunteers from the Las Vegas Runners Club were on hand to lead the groups in whatever activity they chose.

Sponsors for the event included JCK Events, the American Gem Society, Ashi Diamonds, the GIA Alumni Association, the Women’s Jewelry Association, Quality Gold, Assurant and Freeman. Teams were well represented with support from Assurant, Quality Gold, the American Gem Society, the Women’s Jewelry Association, JCK Las Vegas,

Please see Rings page 36