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New York, N.Y. – June 2, 2010 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), an independent organization founded in 2007 by Russell Simmons and members of the jewelry industry, is pleased to announce the election of seven new DEF board members. New Advisory Board Members are Lita Asscher, President, Royal Asscher of America Inc; Dilip Mehta, CEO & Coordinator, Rosy Blue Group; Elliot Tannenbaum, Partner, Leo Schachter Diamonds. The new Governing Board Members are Cathy Calhoun, President, Calhoun Jewelers; Rebecca Foerster, Manager, US Representative Office Diamonds Sales and Marketing, Rio Tinto; Anna Martin, Managing Director, Diamonds & Jewelry Origination & Client Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank; Yancy Weinrich, Industry Vice President, JCK. The  new board members were welcomed at a breakfast presentation to the Industry on “Empowerment through Education for Africa,”  on June 4th at the Pinot Brasserie at The Venetian Hotel, during the JCK conference in Las Vegas.

D.E.F. also recognized Flaviana Matata, former Miss Universe Tanzania as D.E.F.’s new Africa’s Angel Ambassador as well as NBA player for the Memphis Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet as D.E.F.’s new Athlete for Africa Member.

In her first assignment, Flaviana visited with students at African Leadership Academy and CIDA City Campus which in South Africa in the spring, and blogged about her experience for DEF. Flaviana intends to blog for DEF’s website and Facebook page regularly, acting as a correspondent for DEF in sharing the stories of the students at the programs DEF supports. In his role, Hasheem will develop a program with D.E.F. to help raise awareness and support for the cause of empowerment through education for Africa, which will also highlight his is philanthropic work to help the people of his native Tanzania.

D.E.F. is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money to support education initiatives that help empower economically-disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Established by individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industries and others committed to the empowerment of Africa, D.E.F. believes education is one of the most critical elements that powers society and empowers individuals to realize their full human potential.

“The international diamond jewelry industry has a great opportunity for enlightened self interest to align with the rising global consciousness of consumers,” commented DEF Founder and Advisory Board Chairman Russell Simmons. “With sixty percent of the world’s diamonds coming from Sub-Saharan Africa, helping empower young Africans through access to education is a perfect fit. I am thrilled we have seven industry leaders joining DEF’s Board who I know will make a tremendous positive difference for this cause so near to my heart.”

The Diamond Empowerment Fund Governing Board currently consists of co-Presidents Neal L. Goldberg and Dr. Benjamin Chavis; Edward Hrabak, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Sterling Jewelers Inc.; Sally Morrison, U.S. Director, De Beers Account, JWT; Varda Shine, Managing Director of the Diamond Trading Company, London; and Jaci Wilson Reid, Washington, D.C./New York. The Advisory Board consists of Chairman Russell Simmons; Phyllis Bergman, President of Mercury Ring Corporation, New York/New Jersey; Mike Kaplan, President, Rocket Redbox; former Botswana President Festus Mogae; Linah Mohohlo, Governor, Bank of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Scott H. Rauch, President of the Simmons Jewelry Co. and Hedda T. Schupak, Jewelry Market and Retail Analyst. Non-board officers include Ellen Haddigan, Vice President and Executive Dirctor of D.E.F.; Rich Slomovitz, Treasurer and Nahshon Craig, Secretary.

“A strong Board of Directors is essential to every non-profit organization and cause,” remarks Ellen Haddigan, D.E.F.s Executive Director. “With the addition of this extraordinary group of new members who are true leaders in the industry joining our visionary founders and committed current Board members, DEF is poised to make great things happen. We are very excited to have each of them on board.”

The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s first beneficiary is CIDA City Campus. In 2000, CIDA City Campus was launched in Johannesburg, South Africa as Africa’s first virtually free college to provide opportunity for the huge numbers of students who had no access to furthering their education. The school combined self-development initiatives with an academic focus on a business degree program, along with skill-building programs for students not yet prepared for higher education. Student service to the school and the student’s own community was also a fundamental principle. In 2009, D.E.F. selected a second beneficiary organization, the African Leadership Academy (ALA). Founded with the belief that ethical leadership is the key to transforming the African continent by developing, connecting and supporting its future leaders, the ALA is based in Johannesburg, South Africa but with a truly Pan-African approach. They are an innovative two-year college-prep school with a student population drawn from all 54 African countries and a unique focus on leadership, entrepreneurship and African studies, designed to prepare each student for a lifetime of leadership on the continent. D.E.F. provides scholarship support to students attending ALA from diamond producing nations.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund:
Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization established by the individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industry committed to the empowerment of communities and countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

JCK Rocks the Beach at Mandalay Bay
Beach Gazebo Cabanas 5-6-7-8
Friday, June 4th, 2010, 8-11pm

Hasheem Thabeet, DEF Athlete for Africa and professional basketball player
Beverly Bond, top DJ and founder of Black Girls Rock!
Flaviana Matata, DEF’s newest Africa’s Angel and former Miss Universe Tanzania

What: A star-studded guest list filled Union Station for Dallas Rocks 2009 gala, benefiting the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F). D.E.F. founder Russell Simmons, along with celebrities and leaders in the Dallas’ social, sports and business sectors mingled during the glitzy and glamorous event. Thanks to Gold sponsor, Zale Corp, as well as the auction contributors, a lavish display of diamonds was on display at the VIP cocktail party preceding the Diamond Dinner. The evening raised over $400,000 with more proceeds anticipated from a raffle and online auction being conducted through early December.

Anthony Anderson, star of Law and Order and the evening’s emcee, kept the crowd laughing throughout the event and live auction with his humor and impromptu singing! Auctioneer Pat Tully also had the crowd rolling with laughter while auctioning spectacular experiences including packages from the Dallas Mavericks, New York Yankees, Magic Johns and the Los Angeles Lakers, Manchester United, and the Vatican, as well as diamond earrings worn by the Bush sisters.  Among the guests who joined Anthony on stage and during the night included co-chairs Angie Mcnamara, Neal L. Goldberg, Ray Crockett, D’Andra Simmons and Joe Pacetti, as well as D.E.F Executive Director, Ellen Haddigan, who announced an anonymous donation of $50K to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.

While guests enjoyed their dinner provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering, legendary singer Smokey Robinson performed with his band, ending the set with a serenade to a guest who won the bidding for the on-stage opportunity. As the event ended, guests moved into the 009 Pave After-Party, where Reverend Run took the stage with famed DJ Cassidy to entertain guests.  What was planned to be a special birthday toast to Rev Run turned into a once-in-a lifetime impromptu performance by Rev Run of the greatest hits of RUN-DMC, accompanied by DJ Cassidy on the turntables. Afterward, Rev Run was joined by his family and Dallas Rocks guests to blow out the candles on his birthday cake, complete with edible family photos. Celebrity photographer Johnny Nunez was on hand to capture the moment on film.

Dallas Rocks 2009 Photogallery

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left to right: DEF Executive Director Ellen Haddigan, DEF Intern Lesego Mathware, DEF Board Member and former WJA President Phyllis Bergman, Miss Africa USA Nyasha Zimucha, DIVA award winner Evelyn Huang, WJA President Yancy Weinrich, DIVA award winners Susan Shannon of Lim Studio and Pamela Froman of Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry, and DEF Board Co-President Dr. Ben Chavis.

The worldwide diamond and jewelry industry meets for a week in May to June at the JCK and Couture events.  These independent multinational events bring producers, designers, manufacturers, retailers, press together. Most importantly, ideas and industry trends are shared through various networking sessions including panel discussions and keynote speeches.

This year was D.E.F’s 3rd year participating and  great meetings we had with designers and manufactures who are very supportive of the cause and its mission. Finally, D.E.F had the great opportunity to be chosen as the charitable partner for this years Womens Jewelry Association’s DIVA GIVES BACK competition.

DIVA GIVES BACK

Womens Jewelry Association held a press conference announcing this years Diva Gives Back winners at JCK 2009 and a cocktail party at club LAVO in Las Vegas. Special guest, Niyasha Zimucha along with diamond Jewelry executives were in attendance at both the press  conference and cocktail party. DEF would like to thank WJA and sponsors, GIA and Rio Tinto forbeing chosen as theis years charitable partner.

Miss Africa USA, Niyasha Zimucha and DIVA award winner Evelyn Huang.

DIVA award winner, Evelyn Huang was present at the cocktail party to share the great insight on her inspiration while designing the winning peice. Miss Africa USA, Niyasha Zimucha came to share her experiences, as a South African, she explained how important the Diamond Jewelry Industry in United States is important to diamond producing nations in Africa.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Miss Africa USA, Niyasha Zimucha checks out the Simmons Jewelry Co

DEF proud supporter, Simmons Jewelry Company, was also exhibiting at JCK and the DEF team along with Miss Africa USA, Niysha Zimucha visited them. Simmons Jewelry Co. has been at the forefront with supporting D.E.F through creating the Green Bracelet, D.E.F.’s first symbol.

DEF also met with different representatives in the industry at all levels of the jewelry pipe line and looks forward to reporting on positive developments.

Please click here for the WJA Press Release.

Guests and honorees at the Success South Florida Magazine Reception.

R-L. Dexter Bridgeman and Sean Dunn, CEO JR Dunn.

Guests viewing Precious Earth Jewelry.

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND would like to recognize and thank Sean Dunn and Precious Earth Jewelry/ JR Dunn team for making it possible and being a proud supporter of D.E.F! Over $6000.00 was raised for D.E.F. through this initiative!

(From L-R) Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons & wife, Justine Simmons, Nicola Steiner, Kim Kardashian & Russell Simmons.

On December 1st, 2008, Hearst Magazines, A Diamond is Forever and The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) hosted an exclusive “Empowerment for Africa” dinner at Hearst Tower in New York. The dinner was held in recognition of World AIDS Day, with D.E.F. co-founder Russell Simmons and special guests including Tamsin Smith, President of the (RED) campaign.

Juxtapower, the South African dance crew entertaining the crowd with traditional dance routines.

VIP guests including Kim Kardashian, Cassie, Tamsin Smith, Gayle King, Rev Run and Justine Simmons were all in attendance to learn more about the work being done in South Africa by DEF.

Charity Buzz is joining forces with hundreds of its celebrities, dedicated corporations and cherished chariy partners for the most spectacular studded online Valentine’s Day auction EVER for charity.

Check Out DEF’s auction items and share the love this Valentine’s Day!

DEF thanks the following for contributing generously to the Diamonds Give 2008 Auction

Jewelry Donors:

Andrea Lucille Designs (Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Earrings)

Andrea Lucille Designs (Sterling Silver Long Calla Lily Earrings)

Ann Arnold, Lieberfarb, Inc. (Shared Prong Diamond Wedding Ring)

Diamond Delight (14K Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (Beautiful White Gold Hoop Diamond Earrings by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (14K Rose Gold Dove Bird Diamond Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (Elegant Snowflake Diamond Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (Romantic Heart-Shaped Diamond Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Erica Courtney (Erica Courtney 18K Gold & Diamond Earrings)

Erickson Beamon (Erickson Beamon 18K White Gold Diamond Earrings)

Erykah Badu (Erykah Badu’s Personal Amerykah Rings)

Fortunoff (Gold Bib Style Diamond Necklace from Fortunoff)

Jared the Galleria of Jewelers / Le Vian (14K White and Chocolate Flower Pendant)

Jared the Galleria of Jewelry / North American Jewelers (“Hearts Desire” Ideal Cut Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold)

Jared the Galleria of Jewelry /TAG Heuer (TAG Heuer Timepiece for Him)

KAY Jewelers / Prestige (Champagne and White Diamond Necklace Set in 14K White Gold)

KAY Jewelers / Bel-Oro (Glamorous Two-Toned Beaded Necklace)

KAY Jewelers / Movado (Ladies’ Movado Timepiece)

KAY Jewelers / Rosy Blue (Dangling Diamond “Journey” Necklace )

Kay Jewelers / Verigold (Black and White Diamond Bangle Bracelet)

Kay Jewelers/ Leo Schachter (Beautiful 2 Carat Leo Diamond Solitaire Ring)

Kay Jewelers/Media Imports (Stunning 14K Gold Murano Glass Teardrop Earrings and Necklace)

Natural Color Diamond Association (Champagne Diamond Necklace)

Neil Lane (Neil Lane Diamond and Platinum Leaf Earrings)

Nest Jewelry (Nest Jewelry Faceted Glass Crystal Necklace and Earring Set)

Phyllis Bergman for Mercury Ring Corp. (Phyllis Bergman 14K Yellow Gold Heart Pendant)

Rachelle Dauphinée (Rachelle Dauphinée Kalypso Cuff Bracelet)

Zale Corporation (Simmons Jewelry Co. Men’s Stainless Steel and Diamond Gothic Cross Pendant)

Zale Corporation (Hello Kitty Necklace, Bracelet and Ring Set)

Zale Corporation (liveBID! 2 Carat Celebration Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring)

Zale Corporation (Celebration Diamond Princess Cut Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Diamond Chevron Flower Necklace in 14K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Simmons Jewelry Co. Stainless Steel and Leather Cross Cutout Dog Tag Pendant with Diamond Accent)

Zale Corporation (Simmons Jewelry Co. Men’s Diamond Black Maltese Bracelet)

Zale Corporation (18K White Gold Ribbon Ring with Diamonds & Black Rhodium)

Zale Corporation (2 Carat Diamond Bubble Bracelet in 14K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Sterling Silver and Diamond Bangle)

Zale Corporation (1.5 CT. T.W. Celebration 3 Stone Framed Ring in 18K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Celebration Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold)

Zale Corporation, Matthew Fortgang (One of a Kind 18K Gold and Argentium Silver Flower Pendant with 2.33 Carat Sable Black Diamond)

Merchandise Donors:

Angel Sanchez (Cocktail Dress by Angel Sanchez)

Courtney Russell (Couture Hand-Made Gown by Courtney Russell for August Alexander)

Eva Longoria Parker (Dress from Eva Longoria Parker’s Wardrobe)

Farandey (Prosperity Bronze Sculptures by Karim Sana from Burkina Faso)

Kim Kardashian (Navy Blue Gown Worn by Kim Kardashian)

LaTonya S. Piñon, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (Bobbi Brown Makeup Package)

Mary Katherine Fickel (My Tree, Painting by Mary Katherine Fickel)

Mikki Mallow (Billie Holiday Painting by Mikki Mallow)

Steinmetz (Steinmetz Monaco Grand Prix Trophy with Diamonds)

Vegan Queen (Vegan Queen No. 5 Diamond Bag & Mini Diamond Bag Collections)

Experiences Donors:

DJ Cassidy (Two Hour Private Set with DJ Cassidy)

Good Charlotte (4 Tickets to Good Charlotte and Meet the Band!)

Ker & Downey Journeys of Distinction (Diamond Empowerment Safari in Southern Africa)

Kimora Lee Simmons & Baby Phat (Life in Your Own Fab Lane with Kimora Lee Simmons)

Magic Johnson (Magic Johnson Lakers Experience)

N9NE GROUP (Las Vegas Escape: Enjoy The Palms, N9NE Steakhouse & The Playboy Club)

Pat & Emmitt Smith (Lunch or Dinner for 4 with Pat & Emmitt Smith in Dallas, TX)

Paul Coyne (Extreme Motor Sports Experience for 4 at any 2009 Formula D Event)

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Spa (Synergy 7 Facial with Celebrity Esthetician, Renee Rouleau)

Rose’s Mojito Cocktail Mix (Two Tickets to the Screening & After-Party of Cadillac Records Starring Beyoncé & Adrien Brody in NYC on December 1, 2008)

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, HYT ME Estate, American Airlines (Hamptons Weekend Getaway – Attend Art For Life 2009, Stay at the HYT ME Estate in Bridgehampton, and Fly on American Airlines)

Russell Simmons (Practice Yoga with Russell Simmons)

Schlegel Woy Management, Vertical Sports Group (Two Tickets to the Hottest 2009 Super Bowl Party, Leather & Laces, Hosted by Kim Kardashian & Carmen Electra)

The Bonnie Hunt Show (4 VIP Tickets to The Bonnie Hunt Show)

Tre Wilcox (Private Cooking Lesson with Top Chef Contestant Tre Wilcox)

THANKS TO OUR DIAMONDS GIVE 2008 EVENT PATRONS!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

GREENHOUSE
150 Varick Street
Soho, NYC

Hosts Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, and David Blaine
Co-Chairs Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner and Benjamin Steiner

Music by DJ Cassidy with special guest O’Neal McKnight
Special Guest Miss Africa USA Nyasha Zimucha
African Drumming by Talu Green
Special guests included international supermodel Liya Kebede, Tatiana Ali,
Mario, Elise Neal, Andre Harrell, R&B singer Joe, and former NFL player and
ESPN commentator Ray Crockett, among others.

Underwriting Sponsor:

GREENHOUSE
With special thanks to Jon B, Adam Tyler Starkman, Raymie Moynagh.

Hors d’oeuvres and Desserts by
VIA DEI MILLE
With special thanks to Barry Mullineaux and Guiseppe Tuosto
Additional culinary support from Andrew Silverman

Living Gift Bag Provided by

PLANT SHED
With special thanks to Eric Mourkakos

Table Sponsors:

Justin Etzin & Melissa Bradbury
Ashit Parikh, Emby Jewelry LLC dba Diamond Delight
Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner and Benjamin Steiner
Eric Steiner
Bara and Alex Tisch

Host Committee: Ayaan Ahmed, Jon B, Sari Baez, James Cannon Boyce, Jayma
Cardoza & Scott Campbell, BJ Coleman, Paul Coyne, Ray Crockett, Adair
Curtis, Mignon Espy-Edwards, Nia Gandy & Rory Williams, Maneesh Goyal, Ellen
Haddigan, Filippa Hamilton, Serci & Myorr Janha, Sarah Jones & Steve Colman,
Jessica & Jamie King, Candace Levy & Brandon Miller, Kirsten Magwood, David
Marino, Robert Lucien May, Jody Miller, Barry Mullineaux, Tangie Murray,
Elise Neal, Christina Paljusaj, Ashit Parikh, Simone Reyes, Annette
Richardson, Lisa Sorensen, Adam Starkman, Bara and Alex Tisch, Lauren
Wirtzer Seawood and Aaron Seawood, Derrin Woodhouse, Gwen Wunderlich-Smith

Supporters: Danielle Abreau, Tatiana Ali, Carol Archer, Allen Beeber,
Phyllis & Ira Bergman, Joseph Boucos, Paige Butcher, Chinh Chu, Ray
Crockett, Cheri Di Cerbo, DeAndre, DeVane, Richard Firshein, Diana Gaertner,
Nelson George, Marcus Glover, William Goldberg Company, Noah Greenspan, Kyle
Hagler, Keesha Johnson, Claudine Joseph, Niklas Lamotte, Rashawn Lee, Frank
Madden, Mark Muinde, S. Newman, John O’Keefe, Elliott F. Peters, Susan
Posnock, Saif Rahman, Scott Rauch and the Simmons Jewelry Co., David
Rosenberg, Inga Savitz, Hedda Schupak, John Sposato, Patti Webster, Yancy
Weinrich, Stanley Young.

Very special thanks to all of our incredible volunteers, Jody Miller and JLM
Public Relations, and especially all donors to the Diamonds Give 2008
Auction on charitybuzz.com!