The Jewelers Charity Fund for Children (JCF) hosted its annual Facets of Hope Dinner during The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas 2003. More than 2,100 guests—including Olympic skating champion Scott Hamilton—helped to celebrate the fifth birthday of “the industry’s charity” at the Bellagio Resort on June 1. The event honored Mary Forte, president and CEO of Zale Corp., as well as Matthew Runci, president and CEO of Jewelers of America.

A total of $3.4 million in contributions were allocated to special programs developed with JCF’s recipient charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and National CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates).

The De Beers Group was recognized as a major sponsor of the event. Under the guidance of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, JCF and De Beers have set out to help mothers and their babies in Africa through a collaborative program expected to be implemented within one year.

Also recognized during the Facets of Hope Dinner was Victor Weinman, of DesignWorks Jewelry Group Ltd., who has served as an officer of the organization since its formation, and will conclude his duties as chairman this month; and Terry Burman, of Sterling Jewelers, who serves as JCF vice chair.

For information on JCF, contact JCF executive director Pattie Light at (561) 744-3222.