GIA Seeks Auction Items for 2007 Tucson Dinner Dance

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association is asking for auction items for the 2007 Tucson Dance Party, “GIA Rocks Tucson,” on Feb. 2.

The annual GIA alumni event is held during February’s Tucson gem and mineral shows and features dancing, networking, a buffet dinner, and both a live and silent auction. A ceremony presenting Alumni Awards and honoring recipients of the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarships will also take place.

“All proceeds from the dance partyand auction benefit the Alumni Endowment Fund,” said Rose McKenna, GIA’s Alumni Relations manager. “The fund provides financial support for chapter activities, supplies gemological equipment for our Distance Education students, and helps us bring world-renowned speakers to talk to our chapters.”

Past auction donations have included a Berkshire Hathaway Diamond Edition Monopoly game autographed by Warren Buffett and donated by Susan Jacques, GIA governor and president of Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts; a set of Swarovski crystal stem wine glasses with cut crystal bases, donated by Margee Swarovski; and many other items from alumni and chapter associations, such as jewelry, gemstones, mineral specimens, books, and themed gift baskets.

Previous auction winner Michael Quinn, an Accredited Jewelry Professional working on his Graduate Gemologist diploma, said he is honored to help strengthen the Alumni Endowment Fund. Quinn is the owner of Mike’s Jewelry Corner in Salt Lake City.

“The education I’ve received through GIA has helped me better educate my customers, and that credibility is essential in building a foundation of trust with them,” he said. “I feel that I’m contributing to the education of other gem enthusiasts by supporting the auction.”

For more information about the Tucson Dance Party and auction, contact Global Events Manager Jan Tilton at 760-603-4139. To nominate a GIA graduate for the 2007 Alumni Awards, visit http://www.gia.edu/alumni/69/section_main_page.cfm. Awards will be handed out prior to the 2007 Tucson Dance Party.