JCF Funds 1,000th Wish through Make-A-Wish Foundation

Jewelers for Children (JFC), the industry’s charity organization, recently funded its 1,000th wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, during the American Gem Society Conclave in Seattle.

JFC’s 1,000th wish child was Vava Cole, whose wish it was to visit Paris and see the sights depicted in the movie Ratatouille. Vava was last year diagnosed with a cancerous tumor; however, following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she was just recently declared cancer-free.

“It’s so gratifying to see our 1,000th wish granted and to know that the jewelry industry has made a difference in lives of so many children.” said Howard Sherwood, JFC chairman.  “We also are looking forward to welcoming Vava to our annual Facets of Hope event where we will celebrate ten years of helping children in need.”

Since 1999, JFC has funded the Wish A State program, developed in conjunction with Jewelers of America (JA), which provides the support to grant a wish in every state annually. In the context of this program, JA affiliates work together with local Make-A-Wish chapters to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

AGS, through its Annual Conclave, has supported JFC with silent and live auctions and raffles. To date, the AGS community has donated nearly $500,000.

The annual JFC Facets of Hope event will take place June 1 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas during the upcoming JCK Show.