Jewelers for Children

In 1999, Jewelers of America, the national trade association for retail jewelers with more than 10,000 members nationwide, created the charitable organization called Jewelers for Children. As the industry's charity, Jewelers for Children unites manufacturers, retail jewelers, trade associations, watch companies and those who provide professional services to the jewelry industry.

Since 1999, Jewelers for Children (JFC) has donated more than $23 million to charities that primarily benefit children, including $5.5 million - or the equivalent of 907 wishes - to be distributed to all chapters nationwide of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. In 2007, JFC has once again selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation as one of four children's charities to benefit from their fundraising efforts.

Here in the state of Maine, JFC has donated more than $50,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine since 1999, granting wishes for nine children in our state. Most recently, JFC was the Wishmaker for seventeen-year-old Jamie's wish to go to Hawaii. Jamie, who lives in Lebanon, dreamed of attending a luau, riding in a helicopter over the island, relaxing on a beach, and hugging a palm tree.

In January, 2007, Jamie - who lives with a life-threatening brain tumor that has required numerous surgeries - traveled to Hawaii for a week in paradise. Jamie and her family swam with dolphins, snorkeled in Hanauma Bay, and enjoyed a helicopter tour over a volcano, a 1,000-foot waterfall, a tropical rainforest, and Pearl Harbor.

Although she said it was difficult to pick a favorite memory of her fun-filled week in Hawaii, Jamie especially loved the luau, where she wore flowers in her hair and danced the hula on stage. She was also thrilled that her wish to hug a palm tree finally came true.

Seventeen-year-old Jamie's wish to hug a palm tree in Hawaii
came true in January, thanks to JFC.

Each year, JFC makes dreams come true for Maine children like Jamie. Because of their continued dedication, JFC was presented with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine's "Community Spirit Award" in 2006. Stan Pollack, of G.M Pollack & Sons, accepted the award on behalf of Jewelers for Children.

Jewelers for Children representative Stan Pollack (left), of G.M Pollack & Sons,
accepted the "Community Spirit Award from Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine's
Executive Director, Tom Peaco (right) at the chapter's Annual Dinner in November, 2006.

Twelve-year-old Carl (left), of Hampden, also wished to go to Hawaii.
His wish was granted, courtesy of JFC, in July, 2005.

JFC granted the wish of three-year-old Shannon, of Naples,
to meet Dora The Explorer in February, 2006.