Diamond Empowerment Fund » DEF Timeline

Green Initiative Ad Campaign Launched

admin — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 12:36:06 +0000

by Simmons Jewelry Co.

June 2007

A print ad campaign by Simmons Jewelry Co. is launched featuring Kimora Lee Simmons and the genuine rough diamond and malachite Green Bracelet to raise awareness and funds for D.E.F.

Executive Director Appointed

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:39:18 +0000

First Beneficiary: CIDA City Campus

March 2007

Ellen Haddigan appointed D.E.F.’s Executive Director. Ellen has been involved in fundraising, strategic planning, and program development for non-profit arts and education organizations for more than fifteen years. A native of Chicago and graduate of DePaul University, Ellen has also served as an adjunct professor at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education. She formerly was Executive Director of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and now serves as President of the Board of Directors.

CIDA City Campus, a model for higher education in Johannesburg, South Africa, is named the first beneficiary of D.E.F.’s support.

Russell Begins His Mission

admin — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:42:37 +0000

To Raise Awareness for D.E.F.

Russell begins his mission to raise awareness for D.E.F. with top celebrities wearing the Green Bracelet as the symbol of helping Africans help Africa through education.

February 20, 2007 – NBA All Star Weekend – Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, and T.I. are among celebrities seen wearing the Green Bracelet. (Las Vegas)

February 25, 2007 – An Oscar’s Tea at the Soho House hosted by the Diamond Information Center introduces D.E.F. to the Hollywood Community. Celebs including Forest Whitaker, Serena Williams, Eddie Murphy, Rosario Dawson, Penelope Cruz, Petra Nemcova, Paris Hilton, Kenny G, Ludacris, David Beckham, Jon Voight, Chris Tucker, and Naomi Campbell all wear the bracelet for the cause (Beverly Hills).

Press Conference Held

admin — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 09:44:11 +0000

Announces the Formation of D.E.F.

December 5, 2006 – A Press Conference announces the formation of D.E.F. and launch of Simmons Jewelry Co.’s Green Initiative. Press conference is attended by the organization’s founders and special guest President Festus Mogae of Botswana. International media were on hand to cover the story, including Associated Press, CNN, NPR, MTV News, Bloomberg Radio, BET, WWD, and the BBC. Many trade publications also covered the announcement, including JCK, National Jeweler Network, Rapaport News, and IDEX.

Fact-finding Trip

admin — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:48:30 +0000

and The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) is incorporated.

Late November – Russell Simmons and his delegation take a fact-finding trip to South Africa and Botswana.

November 28, 2006 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) is incorporated.