The Connecticut Jewelers Association, the Connecticut based trade association for retail jewelers, has launched a statewide initiative for Jewelers for Children, the industry’s charity, to raise funds to benefit children who are the victims of catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect.
The Connecticut Jewelers Association has organized a promotion of the JFC canister campaign available to every jewelry store member to participate in. The association has asked all members, for the month of June to donate $1 for each watch battery sold during the month and to ask customers to donate $1.
The campaign has been accompanied by a proclamation by Governor of Connecticut, M. Jodi Rell announcing June 2009 as Jewelers for Children month in the state. Connecticut is the only state that has ever done this proclamation.
“I am very proud to be able to be involved with Jewelers for Children. This cause is helping to conquer the devastating illnesses that many of our children have to deal with. It also benefits children in our own state with the CASA program and Make-A-Wish Foundation of America”, said Sharran Selig-Bennett, President of the Connecticut Jewelers Association.
“This is a very important step for us in expanding our fundraising efforts,” states David Rocha, Executive Director of Jewelers for Children. “This program gives retail jewelers and supporters at a local level yet another tool with which to raise money for JFC.”
About the Connecticut Jewelers Association
The CJA and its members are committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty and fairness. Educational programs for owners and employees, group insurance programs, legislative representation and consumer information are available to CJA members.
Joint membership with Jewelers of America, the national association headquartered in New York City. Programs include marketing support, member discounts and educational programs including certification for bench jewelers, store managers and sales professionals.
About Jewelers for Children
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children in need. Since its inception, JFC has donated over $30 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse, or neglect through charity partners St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the National CASA Association. JFC also supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation International, the Santa-America Fund, and Autism Speaks. This nationwide success is due to the continuing generosity of jewelry trade organizations, jewelry and watch manufacturing companies, jewelry retail stores, individual jewelry professionals, and jewelry consumers.
For more information about Jewelers for Children or to support our work, visit www.jewelersforchildren.org
