The year got off to an amazing start in early January with the series of events, lunches, and meetings that revolve around the annual 24 Karat Club’s black-tie gala. Attendance at the events was at levels not seen for years, the mood was bright, and the energy electric. And for all of us at JCK, it was a particularly special year.First, JCK Events and the JCK Publishing Group were jointly honored at the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s annual GOOD Awards. Group vice president Yancy Weinrich and I were thrilled to accept the honor. The recognition was due in part to the contributions the JCK Industry Fund gave to the DEF.Coincidentally, I had just met with Yancy and the JCK Industry Fund advisory board on the afternoon of the DEF cocktail event to discuss the fund’s 2014 contribution. Once again, JCK gave a significant amount of money ($300,000 this year!) to worthy causes that benefit th