The Russell Simmons‘ Diamond Empowerment Fund raised $320,000 for education programs in African countries where diamonds are a natural resource during a star-studded event on Nov. 7 at Cityplace in Dallas.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson received the Humanitarian Award and Eva Longoria Parker received the Lonestar Empowerment Award for their philanthropic works. Football great and “Dancing With the Stars” hoofer Emmitt Smith and his wife Pat co-host, with Simmons the “Dallas Rocks” event, the first major fundraiser of the year old Diamond Empowerment Fund. Emmy nominated television personality Suzanne Sena served as the Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to the Dallas Rocks 2008 fundraising event, DEF’s online charity auction, Diamonds Give 2008, hosted by Charity Buzz continues through Dec. 2. The online auction also benefits DEF and its mission to raise funds to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Bidders can click http://www.charitybuzz.com/area.do?id=828 for a chance to snag diamond jewelry, travel packages, upscale fashions, and celebrity experiences.

Diamonds Give On-Line Charity Auction continues though December 2nd:
http://www.charitybuzz.com/area.do?id=828

Captions:
Top: Russell Simmons (left) congratulates Earvin “Magic” Johnson who received the Humanitarian Award.


Below: From Left: Dallas Cowboy’s Emmitt Smith and former NFL star Ray Crockett, Simmons, Terrell Owens, Olympic track star Michael Johnson, and Magic Johnson. Photography by Doré Marcelle Madere.

JCK