Jewelers for Children – 2015 Local Grants
By
Bryan Boyne (g.g.) , Monday, November 16, 2015
Jewelers for Children (JFC) was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry and is strongly supported by the American Gem Society. JFC is dedicated to helping children through direct support for a number of outstanding organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Make-A-Wish® America, and National CASA Association.
Since its inception Jewelers for Children has donated more than $48 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse, or neglect. This nationwide success is made possible by the continuing generosity of jewelry trade organizations, jewelry and watch manufacturing companies, jewelry retail stores, individual jewelry professionals, and jewelry consumers.
Jewelers for Children recently announced the winners of their 2015 Local Grants program. JFC set aside $100,000 from 2015 fundraising to be used for ten $10,000 grants to local organizations. Industry members had the opportunity to nominate a local organization to receive one of these grants. The winners below were selected by a Facebook campaign that ran from October 5th through the 19th, during which time more than 15,000 visitors were asked to their cast votes.
- American Family Children's Hospital, nominated by Goodman's Jewelers
- Camp Sunshine, nominated by Day's Jewelers
- Chris Lantos Foundation, nominated by Papazian Jewelry Designs
- Gio's Garden, nominated by Bauer Jewelry Designs
- Matthew's Giving Tree, nominated by Kay Cameron Jewelers
- Meeting Street School, nominated by Bee Chic Boutique
- Morrow Manor, nominated by Dahlquist's Fine Jewelry
- Pediatric Therapy Network, nominated by Daniel's Jewelers
- Something for Kelly, nominated by Cunningham Jewelry & Appraisal Services
- Songs of Love Foundation, nominated by Solomons Fine Jewelry
David Rocha, Executive Director of JFC had this to say about the effort. “Our Local Grants Program provides an excellent opportunity for independent jewelers to connect with their communities and with Jewelers for Children. Their involvement helps promote the work of JFC and shows how the industry’s support benefits children in cities and towns across the country. The jeweler becomes a hero to a local charity and JFC gets exposure at the consumer level”.
JFC has any number of programs that jewelers can participate in to spread the word about a great cause and to assist in fundraising. The holiday cards program is one that is particularly relevant this time of year.
Jewelers can purchase cards designed by children helped by JFC with proceeds going back to the organization. It’s a great way to celebrate the giving spirit of the season.