Associations

Many Boston-area jewelers contributed to the fight against blindness by donating items for auction at the recent 10th annual “Seeing Is Believing” ball sponsored by the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Donations from J. & S.S. DeYoung Inc., Dorfman Jewelers, the Hamilton Collection, Marshall’s of Milford, Seidlers, Small Pleasures, Termine & Winer, and Canadian silversmith Karen Cantine all contributed to the success of the event, which included silent and live auctions as well as a raffle. More than $120,000 was raised.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a national eye-research foundation dedicated to finding cures for retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and related retinal degenerative diseases. For information on the foundation, contact its national headquarters at Executive Plaza 1, Suite 800, 11350 McCormick Rd., Hunt Valley, MD 21031-1014; (888) 394-3937 or (410) 785-1414.

The Women’s Jewelry Association Midwest Chapter presented two awards at its recent annual general meeting in Chicago.

Immediate past president Helen Slotar Hovis, co-owner of Chicago-based Slotar Diamond Importers, received the chapter’s “Woman Making a Difference” award. She was honored for her leadership as chapter president in 1996-97, her service on the board of directors since 1989, and her success in the industry.

Jennifer Dalzell of Reiss Inc., Chicago diamond importers, received the chapter’s new “Rising Star” award. The award recognizes a WJA member for her career progress and attitude.

Brenda Gamba has been named director of member services at Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, Providence, R.I. Gamba, formerly the director of research and information, has been with MJSA for seven years.

In her new position, she will develop and maintain member benefits, manage the membership staff, and implement membership-growth campaigns.

Among her top priorities will be creating a comprehensive insurance program and helping to form partnerships between MJSA members and retailers.

The Women’s Jewelry Association’s biannual breakfast program will be “Harry Winston: 100 Years of Glamour,” a one-hour presentation about the legendary jeweler’s connection to Hollywood and the Oscars. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in room 1C04 of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. Complimentary breakfast will be served.

Speakers include Carol Brodie Gelles, managing director of communications, and Jim Haag, global marketing director of Harry Winston.