For Immediate Release                                    Contact: Nancy Orem Lyman

January 11, 2012                                             Phone: (917) 229-7231

n.lyman@diamondempowerment.org

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND’S

FIRST ANNUAL GOOD AWARDS LIGHTS UP MANHATTAN

New York, NY; January 11, 2012—Atop the Empire Rooftop Hotel the Diamond Empowerment Fund held its inaugural GOOD Awards on January 5, 2012. The festive affair kicked off a weekend filled with annual industry luncheons and gala dinners.

Four individuals received GOOD Awards for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African diamond-producing nations. The four were:

1. Ms. Varda Shine, CEO and the Diamond Trading Company  (A De Beers Group Company)
2. Mr. Edward Hrabak, SVP General Merchandising Manager and Sterling Jewelers Inc
3. Ms. Rebecca Foerster, U.S. Manager Marketing and Sales and Rio Tinto Diamonds:  
4. Ms. Ivanka Trump, Founder and Principal and  Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry (Under the ‘New and Brightest’ category )

Videos of the honorees and their good works can be found here.

A highlight of the GOOD Awards’ evening was a jaw-dropping performance by Grammy-nominated singer Melanie Fiona, who almost brought the roof down with the incredible range of her voice and her R&B themed song choices. Another highlight was the rhythmic beat of music played throughout the evening by New York’s famous DJ M.O.S.

Russell Simmons, co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and chair of its Advisory Board summed up the evening by stating “The Diamond Empowerment Fund is unique to the diamond industry. It’s about action and empowerment on the ground in Africa. The first-ever GOOD Awards is also unique and was designed to shine on a light on those within the diamond and jewelry industry who understand the importance, urgency and impact education can have. I’m happy to say the event was a success.”

Added Board President Phyllis Bergman, “The GOOD Awards allowed us to put the Diamond Empowerment Fund on the map for the industry. We had an amazing turnout and the feedback has been incredibly positive. We are grateful for the sponsorship from industry leaders, Sterling Jewelers, Inc, Rio Tinto Diamonds, Julius Klein and Ritani, and Gemological Institute of America (GIA)  whose support helped us put together such a wonderful event. With additional support from the industry moving forward, we can further our mission of building and strengthening diamond producing nations through the education of their youth”

Honoree Ivanka Trump reinforced this message affirming “it’s just good business to care about everyone involved in the various layers of production…especially when the end product is such a beautiful symbol of love”.

With Gratitude to our Generous Sponsors

The 2012 Good Awards will be held Thursday, January 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Empire Hotel Rooftop, 44 West 63rd Street, New York City.

The four inaugural honorees for the 2012 Good Awards will be:

1. Ms. Varda Shine and Diamond Trading Company (A De Beers Group Company): The global leadership of Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) is unparalleled in the industry. The De Beers Family of Companies continues to make an outstanding contribution to the economic development of Africa, and 2012 will mark the beginning of DTC’s move from its current London base to Gaborone, Botswana, thus furthering beneficiation on the continent. As a founding member of the Board of Directors of DEF, Ms. Shine champions the education, skills transfer and sustainable development of southern Africa, especially in communities where diamonds are a treasured natural resource
2. Edward Hrabak, SVP Merchandising and GMM, Sterling Jewelers Inc.: With considerable support from Sterling, Ed Hrabak has promoted industry-wide product development models benefitting DEF that help fund educational initiatives and leadership development for youths in diamond producing countries in Africa. Mr. Hrabak’s commitment to the DEF mission is further example that ‘diamonds for good’ is not just an industry message, but also opportunity for an industry call-to-action.
3. Ms. Rebecca Foerster and Rio Tinto Diamonds: Together with the Sales and Marketing Team at Rio Tinto Diamonds, Rebecca Foerster, Manager, US Representative Office, has helped communicate…and lead… Rio Tinto Diamond’s commitment to education and sustainability, evident through Rio Tinto Diamond’s contributions to social wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, all within strong governance systems. Rio Tinto Diamonds demonstrates good corporate citizenship throughout its mining communities in Australia, Canada and Africa by supporting education initiatives, access to healthcare, agricultural skill building, and capacity building programs. Ms. Foerster has supported the Diamond Empowerment Fund for years as a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Marketing Committee.
4. Ms. Ivanka Trump and Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry: Under the ‘New and Brightest’ category of the inaugural Good Awards, Ivanka Trump has made a commitment to using only sustainable materials in her diamond bridal line – the company is striving towards 100% sustainability in the near future. Ms. Trump uses her celebrity to champion causes, including ‘Girl Up’ and the UN Foundation. Girl Up supports girls around the world by giving them the opportunity to become educated, healthy, safe, counted, and positioned to be the next generation of leaders. As part of this support, Ms. Trump designed a ‘Girl Up’ bracelet with all proceeds going towards the “Girl Up’ organization.

Hosted by Phyllis Bergman, Russell Simmons and the Board of Directors of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, the Good Awards will take place on January 5, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:30 p.m. at the Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York, and will bring together industry members, celebrity tastemakers, socialites and philanthropists from all walks of life. Grammy nominated singer Melanie Fiona will give a special performance, and music will be played throughout the evening by DJ M.O.S.

“We are thrilled to recognize the good works of leaders in our industry who are helping make a difference both in their own communities and in African communities where diamonds are a natural resource” says Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director.

Adds founding board member Russell Simmons, “Diamonds are a precious resource, and through good governance by the industry they can contribute to the development of Africa’s other precious resource, its people”.

Tickets are $195 and digital journal ads are $400. For ticket and journal information please contact Kafia Ahmed at kahmed@diamondempowerment.org or visit DEF’s website at www.diamondempowerment.org to purchase online.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to support education initiatives in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. It was established in 2007 by a group of individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industry, with the belief that education is essential to empower both individuals and society to reach their fullest potential.

The Diamonds in the Sky Hong Kong event on September 20, 2011 will bring together some of the diamond industries most influential leaders who understand the key importance of supporting social causes in the countries where their most precious resource is found.

DEF is thrilled to be named as one of the co-beneficiaries with the China Charity Federation (CCF). Funds raised from this event will not only further CCF’s mission in China, but will also benefit the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s important work in Africa including its existing scholar-based programs: CIDA City Campus, the Africa Leadership Academy and the Botswana Top Achievers Program.

Stay tuned and be sure to catch DEF and Russell’s live updates from Hong Kong!

Click here to find out more about the Diamonds in the Sky: Hong Kong event.

More from JCK 2011:

#DEFrocksJCK: Rahma M. Attends Her 1st JCK
Love Diamonds Empower Africa By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

LONDON, 9th November 2010: On Monday, November 8, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F), along with luminaries from the diamond industry and beneficiaries of D.E.F, gathered at the Banqueting House to raise more than $1 million through the cause’s first international fundraising event, DEF London: Diamonds in the Sky.

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Co-chairs Varda Shine (CEO of the Diamond Trading Company, DTC) and Anna Martin (Managing Director, Diamonds & Jewellery, Standard Chartered), along with Nicky Oppenheimer (Chairman of De Beers), V. Shankar (CEO – Europe, Middle East, Africa and Americas, Standard Chartered), Russell Simmons (Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications and co-founder of the D.E.F), Dr. Benjamin Chavis (Co-President of the D.E.F), the D.E.F’s Africa’s Angels, Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner and Flaviana Matata, among others, joined together for one night to support the D.E.F’s mission to raise awareness and support for the empowerment and education of African youth in nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

At the sold-out glittering gala dinner and live auction, Nicky Oppenheimer, the Chairman of De Beers and Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered, were honored by D.E.F.for their leadership and strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, Russell Simmons surprised and honored the Managing Director of Diamond Trading Company International, Varda Shine with a ‘Humanitarian of the Year 2010′ and attendees were able to hear speeches from three students who have directly benefited from the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

The live auction, MC’d by Tim Dabson of DTC, raised more than $500,000 with spectacular lots including diamond jewellery, travel packages, sports packages, and a unique modeling session with Africa’s Angel Flaviana Matata, and attendees were given the unique chance to create history by ‘opening’ the first DTC Sight of 2011. Review the DEF London Programme Journal to learn more about all of our special guests and browse our patrons ads:

View the DEF London Programme

For more information about DEF London: Diamonds in the Sky, please visit the event invitation.

D.E.F. would like to thank the following D.E.F. London sponsors:

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund® (D.E.F.)
Founded and based in the United States since 2007, the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to raise monies to go towards supporting education initiatives that will change the lives of African communities based around diamond mines alongside education for Africa. The D.E.F has two named beneficiary organizations, CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, both models for access to higher education in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sixty percent of the world’s diamonds come from Sub-Saharan Africa. In a land rich in diamonds, D.E.F.’s goal is to help Africa’s most precious diamonds – its youth – have greater educational opportunities that lead to personal and economic empowerment. www.diamondempowerment.org.

Press Contact:
Lacy Pica / Randi Friedman
pmk*bnc
lacy.pica@pmkbnc.com / randi.friedman@pmkbnc.com
212.582.1111

The Magic of Mustique: Fantasy and Romance of Toucan Hill

Leo Schachter Brilliant Diamond Pendant

• Jamaica: Steal Away to a Paradise Fitting of James Bond
• Omni Hotels US Explorer Package
• Phyllis Bergman Diamond Bracelet
• Experience South Africa: Three Nights at a Thornybush Collection Game Lodge and Two Nights at Cape Grace
• Washington Redskins Experience
• Natural Pink Diamond Butterfly Necklace
• Indulge in the Beauty of the British Virgin Islands
• Lieberfarb Diamond and Sapphire Wedding Ring
• 24K Gold iPad by Amosu
• 60″ x 40″ Custom Commissioned Portrait by Artist Noah G Popv
• Meet Dr. Deepak Chopra and Enjoy a Five Day Synchrodestiny Empowerment Workshop
• Interjewel Champagne and White Diamond Pendant
• Spend the Night in the Mayfair Hotel’s Schiaparelli Signature Suite
• Stainless Steel Ladies Movado Watch with Diamond Accents
• 2 Tickets and Backstage Passes for an Upcoming 2011 Smokey Robinson Concert
• Le Vian 14k Smokey Quartz and Chocolate Diamond Ring
• Le Vian 14k Pink Amethyst and Chocolate Diamond Ring
• .75ct Diamond Love’s Embrace Necklace
• 1ct tw Diamond Open Heart Inspiration Necklace
• 1.5ct tw Journey Diamond Pendant
• 1.5ct tw Framed Diamond Earrings
• Zaiken Oxidized Silver Necklace
• Six-Month Superfly Membership at Flywheel Sports
• 1ct tw Diamond Stud Earrings by Jasani

Following successful fund raising events in New York City, the Hamptons, Dallas, and Las Vegas, the Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to present its first international even in London at Banqueting House on Monday, November 8, 2010.

DEF London: Diamonds in the Sky is a benefit and dinner auction that will bring together a unique mixture of the international diamond jewelry sector, London’s corporate, social and entertainment sectors, and DEF supporters led by event co-chairs Justin Etzin, Anna Martin, and Varda Shine. Honorary chair Russell Simmons will join the chairs in honoring two very special advocates for empowerment for Africa: Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman, De Beers Group, and Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered.

Founded by Russell Simmons along with other individuals in the diamond and jewelry industries and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa, the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Based in the United States since its establishment in 2007, D.E.F. has two named beneficiary organizations, CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, both models for access to higher education in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sixty percent of world’s diamonds come from Sub-Saharan Africa. In a land rich in diamonds, D.E.F.’s goal is to help African’s most precious diamonds – its youth – have greater educational opportunities that lead to personal and economic empowerment.

A Benefit Cocktail Party & Auction

Join DEF Advisory Board Chairman Russell Simmons, DEF Governing Board Co-Presidents Dr. Benjamin Chavis and Neal L. Goldberg, and Event Chairs Justin Etzin, Anna Martin, and Varda Shine for a special evening in support of empowerment through education for African youth.

Honouring:
NICKY OPPENHEIMER CHAIRMAN, DE BEERS GROUP
PETER SANDS GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010

COCKTAILS & HORS D’OEUVRES
BEGINNING AT 7 PM

PROGRAMME & AUCTION AT 8:30 PM

BANQUETING HOUSE, WHITEHALL, LONDON SW12ER

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS FROM £200

ATTIRE: DIAMOND CHIC

WITH REMARKS BY ALUMNI FROM DEF BENEFICIARY SCHOOLS, AFRICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AND CIDA CITY CAMPUS

To reserve a patron package or tickets, please contact Emily Saunders at +44 845 4758 421 or diamonds@quintessentiallyevents.com or click here to download the Advance Reservation Reply Form.

For press enquiries please contact Gabby Wickham at +44 207 758 3369 or gabby.wickham@quintessentially.com.

Founded in 2007 and based in New York, the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. D.E.F. has two beneficiaries: CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, both based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

KNOWLEDGE IS LIKE A GARDEN,
IF IT IS NOT CULTIVATED, IT CANNOT BE HARVESTED.
–AFRICAN PROVERB

Click here to buy tickets now!

Raffle prizes include:

• Golfing trip for two to the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Yoga class experience with Diamond Empowerment Fund Co-founder Russell Simmons
• “Jewelry Store” by Roger Hoit, from the Eyes of Africa Photography Exhibition at de Castellane Gallery
• Ladies Le Vian watch with 2.795 ct diamonds, retail value of $9,995
• Ladies Le Vian watch with 2.02 ct diamonds, retail value of $9,895
• 18 inch 14k gold necklace with white topaz from Forever White by the Yard by Jeffrey Beri, retail value of $759
• Wing, Skull and Star Charm Necklace by Simmons Jewelry Company, with a .005 ct diamond each on a 22 inch chain, retail value of $220

Click here to buy tickets now!

For more information, please visit Jewelers for Children