24K Club to Honor Kimmel, West
By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 8/1/2007 11:11:00 AM
The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California announces that its highest honor, the 2007 Excellence in Service Award, will be shared by Kathryn Kimmel, vice president of Marketing and Public Relations at the Gemological Institute of America, and James “Jimmy” West, chief operating officer, executive director, and creative director of Leading Jewelers Guild. 
The award is reserved for those that the club feels have made a considerable contribution to the industry, elevating consumer respect, and good business practices.
The awards will be presented at the club’s Annual Fall Dinner Dance, the West Coast’s jewelry industry’s prestigious black tie event, on Oct. 20 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The gala, now in its 63rd year, has long been the premier industry event for socializing, networking, and raising funds for a charitable cause.
The honorees were announced by Dinner Dance co-chairs Julia Baroni, of Baroness Jewelers in the Santa Barbara area, and Erica Courtney, known for her “Drop Dead Gorgeous” fine jewelry designs. Both women are members of the 24 Karat Club’s Board of Directors, and Baroni is the 2007-2008 President of the Club.
Companies interested in showcasing their products to some of the most influential jewelry industry leaders, while making a charitable donation to a worthy cause are encouraged to donate auction items by contacting Auction Chair Vatche Fronjian, president of True Knots. He can be reached by telephone is 818-534-3470, fax at 818-534-3477 and email at vatche@trueknots.com.
Past charities to benefit from the 24K event have included the Jewelers Fund for Children, City of Hope, Salvation Army, and Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
This popular event usually sells out well in advance out. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to contact the 24 Karat Club office for tickets as early as possible. The cost is $395 per person for non-members. Due paying members of the organization may reserve two tickets as part of their member benefits. For information on tickets or membership, contact West Bryson at (949) 498-5530; fax, (949) 498-1043; or e-mail WestBryson@aol.com.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows at a discounted price of $385 for a Superior Guestroom and $415 for a Deluxe Guestroom. Attendees have the opportunity to make this legendary 5-star, 5-diamond hotel their personal headquarters for GIA’s CareerFair, and The 24 Karat Club’s 2007 Fall Dinner Dance. Call the hotel’s toll-free reservation line directly at 800-283-8885 and mention that you are attending the 24 Karat Club event.
