Jewelers for Children, the jewelry industry’s own charity, has made a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support its efforts in the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast region following Hurricane Katrina.

“Everyone has been overwhelmed with the news from the effected region, and our executive committee felt it was very important for JFC to contribute to the relief efforts,” said Terry Burman, JFC chairman, making the announcement Sept. 13. “Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in the horrible tragedy, particularly those that are part of our industry family. Providing financial assistance from the industry’s charity was an easy decision.”

Jewelers for Children, whose mission is to provide support to charities that primarily benefit children, chose the American Red Cross in recognition of their efforts to help so many in the region. That includes assisting many families, which the executive committee felt fits perfectly with JFC’s mission.

Including the contribution to the Red Cross and the previously announced commitment by JFC to their legacy charities, distributions this year will total $4.4 million dollars.

In addition, JFC’s charity partners are working on relief assistance in the gulf region as well. The efforts include:

* St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has accepted some of the area’s youngest cancer victims at a satellite facility in Baton Rouge, La.

* The National CASA Association is helping its local chapters get re-established and providing immediate legal assistance to children who are the victims of life-threatening abuse and neglect in the area.

* The Make-A-Wish Foundation will provide additional support to their chapters in the affected areas, so they can quickly begin again granting the wishes of children effected by catastrophic illness.

“With the support of our charity partners and the on-going support of this great industry, JFC will be making a difference in the lives of the children involved in this tragic event,” said Burman. “At a time like this, it’s very gratifying to see everyone in the industry put aside business differences and focus on those who need our help most.”

JCK