On May 1, the Jewelers Charity Fund (JCF) for Children will officially change its name to Jewelers For Children, with the tagline “A Gift of Love for Children in Need.”

Patti Light, executive director of the organization, said the name change was approved by the organization because it wanted to better identify its core mission by more prominently displaying the word “children” in its name, ensuring that people understand its goal of helping children with catastrophic illnesses. Even though the word “children” was always part of the name, both within the industry and outside of it the full name of the organization was shortened to “Jewelers Charity Fund” or “JCF.”

“Children was always left off as the name was shortened for time and needs,” Light says. “It wasn’t helping the consumer or even the trade understand that out mission is about children. We are an industry made up of good people who are here for kids.”

She also noted even people answering the phone in charity’s office would refer to the name as “JCF” or “Jewelers Charity Fund.”

The new logo includes a children’s alphabet block with the letters “JFC.” However, the organization will not be actively using or promoting either the current “JCF” acronym or the upcoming “JFC” acronym.

“I won’t use an acronym,” Light says. “We will wait and see how the industry accepts the name and we will work our way into that.”

Since 1999, The Jewelers Charity Fund for Children (as of May 1, Jewelers For Children) has granted more than $10 million to vital programs. Armed with a mission to raise funds for charities that primarily benefit children, the charity has benefited from the generosity of the jewelry, diamond, and watch industries. Funds are raised throughout the year by a variety of special projects dependent upon the support of the jewelry trade organizations, multi-store retailers, independent jewelers and manufacturers who participate.

Members of the jewelry industry may wish to consider a tax-deductible contribution to the organization. To find out more about JCF programs, contact Pattie Light at (561) 744-3222.

JCK