Responding to America’s need, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Carlsbad, Calif., hosted a record crowd of more than 500 industry leaders at its annual League of Honor Founders Dinner Oct. 22 to aid the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

The sold-out event at New York’s Plaza Hotel is a vital source of funding to support GIA’s nonprofit mission of serving the gem and jewelry industry through gemological education, research and laboratory services. This year, however, there was no question the funds raised should be donated to assist the relief efforts, said GIA President William E. Boyajian.

“GIA has very strong ties to New York, not only with our students and staff at our campus and Gem Trade Laboratory operations in Manhattan, but also with our many friends and supporters in the industry who live and work there,” said Boyajian. “We therefore wanted to assist the victims’ relief efforts in a demonstrable way, and donating the net proceeds of the League of Honor Founders Dinner is a fitting way to do that.”

Among the many firms participating in the prestigious formal dinner were executives from Cartier, Tiffany, Harry Winston, Mikimoto, Fred Leighton, Ltd., Swarovski, Fortunoff Fine Jewelers and Stuller Settings, Inc., the dinner’s presenting sponsor.

JCK