Jewelers For Children (JFC), the U.S. jewelry industry’s recognized charity, formerly known as the Jewelers Charity Fund for Children, has appointed Laurie A. Hudson as executive director, effective Sept. 1, 2004. Hudson, the founder and former president of Platinum Guild International USA, will succeed Pattie Light, who has served as executive director since 1999.

Over the last five years, JFC has donated almost $14 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been devastated either by catastrophic illness or abuse and neglect. The June 6 “Facets of Hope” event in Las Vegas raised more than $3.8 million for JFC charities. JFC’s charity partners include the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Make-A-Wish International, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation/Glaser Pediatric Research Network, and the National CASA Association.