At the Jewelers for Children’s (JFC) 11th Annual Facets of Hope event in Las Vegas during the JCK Show, the gem and jewelry industry’s charity announced the group’s intention to donate $1.75 million to their charity partners in the year ahead.

“The Facets of Hope event is the culmination of our annual cycle of fundraising and to be pledging more than $ 1.7 million to our charity partners is truly a success story,” said Howard Sherwood, JFC board chair.  The organization also recognized past honorees from the previous 10 years of festivities.

The charity intends to distribute $500,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to continue the multi-year funding of a research project on the immune systems in children being treated for cancer; $500,000 to the National CASA Association to fund the Champions for Abused Children program; $225,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America to grant wishes in nearly 40 states; $225,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to fund prevention and treatment programs in Africa; $225,000 to Autism Speaks to fund the Toddler Treatment Network; $25,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation International to continue funding wishes in India; $25,000 to the Santa-America Fund to fund recruitment and training efforts for volunteer Santa’s and Elves; and $25,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Nearly 1,000 industry guests attended the event held at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.  During the program portion of the evening, the crowd heard from a number of children that the industry’s support has benefited. 

JCK