Consumers can enter online to win a piece of gold jewelry designed by actress Debra Messing and designer Robert Lee Morris in the World Gold Council’s “Legendary Gold” contest. Proceeds will benefit YouthAIDS.

Information about the contest is featured in the February and May 2009 issues of InStyle magazine. Messing, star of USA Network’s series The Starter Wife, shares her favorite personal story involving gold jewelry in the magazine and on the Legendary Gold Web site, www.instyle.com/legendarygold, which is live during award show season till Feb. 24.

Messing’s story highlights her personal affinity for gold and shows the powerful role that gold jewelry has played in her life. To enter the contest, consumers can share their own emotional connection to a significant piece of gold jewelry and will be automatically entered for a chance to win the piece developed by Messing and Morris. The winning consumer story also will be featured in an advertorial in the May issue of InStyle magazine.

“As consumers share their own emotionally evocative stories that involve gold jewelry, the lasting value of gold and its enduring relevance in our lives will resonate strongly with all who participate,” said Duvall O’Steen of the World Gold Council.

The Legendary Gold Web site includes a designer showcase of gold jewelry styles from other legendary gold designers, includingTemple St Clair, Doris Panos, and Dana David. The site is interactive, allowing consumers to read Messing’s gold jewelry story, along with a selection of other stories as shared by other contest entrants, and also allowing them to enter their own story. Messing’s connection to YouthAIDS is highlighted on the site.

In addition to Legendary Gold, Messing also is the first confirmed celebrity participant in World Gold Council’s Leaves of Change charity initiative. Due to her participation in Leaves of Change Messing will include a leaf motif in the piece of gold jewelry created by her collaboration with Robert Lee Morris, in order to further raise funds and awareness for YouthAIDS. All Leaves of Change gold jewelry creations will be auctioned off in early May 2009 with proceeds going to the celebrities’ designated charities. Another Web site, www.leavesofchange.org, will feature each celebrity’s gold design, as well as their charity partnerships.

JCK