Jewelers For Children (JFC), the U.S. jewelry industry’s recognized charity, formerly known as Jewelers Charity Fund for Children, will honor David and Sybil Yurman, founders of David Yurman of New York, and Sue E. Gove, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Zale Corp., Dallas, at its seventh annual Facets of Hope Dinner in Las Vegas. The annual event, which is expected to draw a crowd of more than 2,000 will be held at The Bellagio on Sunday evening, June 5, 2005.

The Yurmans and Gove have generously agreed to serve as next year’s guests of honor with the responsibility of helping the industry’s charity to raise funds that will benefit children whose lives have been devastated either by catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect. They join a list of prominent industry leaders who have been recognized by the charity since 1999. More than $3.8 million was contributed to JFC’s recipient charities during the 2004 dinner that honored Edward A. Dayoob of Fred Meyer Jewelers, Inc. and Susan M. Jacques of Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts.

“Jewelers For Children is grateful to David, Sybil and Sue for their acceptance of this honor,” said JFC Chairman Terry Burman (Sterling Jewelers Inc.) “Recognizing that their time is one of their most precious resources, we are indeed pleased that they will be joining our incredibly dedicated fundraising committee to strive for another record-breaking year for the industry’s charity. We are also very fortunate that Arthur E. Reiner (Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation) will once again serve as Vice President of Fundraising to lead the Facets of Hope campaign.”

JFC benefits from the benevolence of manufacturers, retail jewelers, trade organizations and those who provide professional services to the jewelry industry. Nearly $14 million has been allocated to JFC charity partners since 1999. They include the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, National CASA Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and Make-A-Wish Foundation International in support of a special program in India.

All members of the jewelry industry are encouraged to lend their support through participation in fundraising programs conducted throughout the year. Specific to the upcoming Holiday Season, JFC is eager to offer charitable alternatives to traditional holiday gift giving options through its Hope for the Holidays program. For more information, contact David Rocha, executive director, at 646-658-0246.

JCK