Jewelers for Children held its 21st annual Facets of Hope event on June 2, at the Venetian, in Las Vegas.
The charity announced that $1.3 million had been raised to support their charity partners in the year ahead, bringing the cumulative total since 1999 to $ 56.7 million that has been donated on behalf of the industry to help children in need.
Each year it's amazing how generous our industry is to children in need," said Pam Mortensen, JFC board chair. "The stories from our charity partners and the number of children we have reached is something we can all feel very proud of."
JFC recognized Judy Fisher of Reeds Jewelers and David Bonaparte of Jewelers of America.
Guests were also treated to a performance by 16-year-old Aniya who had her wish granted when she got to meet performer Jessie J. The group also heard from Jackie who aged out of the foster care system and is now in college. The evening also included a watch give-away as well as a silent and live auction.
This year, JFC combined forces with the JCK Show for a high-energy, fun-filled after party at Tao. All attendees at the Facets of Hope could attend and Tao Beach was set aside for JFC supporters to mingle and enjoy the evening.
During the program, Mortensen announced that the $ 1.3 million the charity was pledging included $ 300,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, $ 350,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $ 300,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and $ 250,000 to the National CASA Association. Also announced was a commitment of $ 50,000 to Make-A-Wish International for wish granting in...