Visit CharityBuzz to place your bid and help support the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

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

Join us in empowering the next generation of African Leaders:

Help further DEF’s mission of supporting education initiatives in diamond producing nations. Your contributions help to pay for tuition and learning for deserving students.

Your generosity will be acknowledged on the DEF website and other future opportunities.

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.

Born and raised in Arlington, VA, Kafia always had an affinity for Africa. Her parents moved from Somalia in the early eighties to Virginia to raise her family. With acceptance letters from notable universities such as George Washington University and University of Maryland, Kafia decided to attend Old Dominion University in Southeastern Virginia.

After graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Public Law, Kafia decided to dedicate a year service and served with City Year in New York City tutoring and mentoring children in East Harlem. During her time as a corps member, Kafia found time to volunteer and first began work at the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2009.

After completing more than 1700 hours of service with Americorps & City Year, Kafia then joined the staff of the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2010, and currently serves in the role of Projects and Events Associate. This fall, Kafia began her graduate studies at New York University.

African Leadership Academy is one of three beneficiary schools receiving funds from Diamond Empowerment Fund, whose mission is to empower Africans in diamond-producing nations through education. The other two are CIDA City Campus, a business college in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Top Achievers Program in Botswana.

“We’re proud that DEF can play a key role in helping to educate, cultivate, develop, and support future leaders who will provide ethical and productive governance throughout the African continent, especially in diamond-producing nations,” said Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director. “To be able to increase our funding for this outstanding program by 40% is indeed a milestone, and wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of the diamond industry that we received in Hong Kong and through our fundraising efforts around the world.  In addition to furthering our support of existing programs such as ALA, DEF is also looking to fund additional education programs with a focus on skills training and sustainable job creation.”

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, African Leadership Academy (ALA) was founded by Ghanian-born entrepreneur Fred Swaniker, on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to transforming the African continent.  A residential pre-university institution, ALA is aimed at developing ethical, visionary, effective, and accountable leaders across the entire continent of Africa. To be accepted, students must show extraordinary leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for leading Africa ethically. ALA recruits students from all 54 African nations; at present, 41 nations are represented at the Academy.

“The continued support of African Leadership Academy from the Diamond Empowerment Fund is a true testament to the fact that we are on the right path to empower and develop the next generation of African leaders,” said Bryden Sweeney-Taylor, Executive Director of African Leadership Foundation, ALA’S U.S. partner.

DEF made its first grant to ALA in 2009 to establish the “DEF Scholars” scholarship program for students from diamond-producing nations in Africa. The hugely successful “Diamonds in the Sky Hong Kong” fundraiser last month will allow DEF to not only re-commit to its support of ALA, but also to increase funding for the program by 40%, enabling DEF to help support every single student who comes to ALA from diamond-producing nation. Students enrolled at ALA come from the following diamond producing countries, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

ALA’s first graduating class of 88 surpassed all goals, with 92% of students admitted to college, and secured a collective amount of more than $10 million USD in college scholarship funds to schools including Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Dartmouth College, and Duke University.

Forbes magazine recently featured a profile of ALA founder Fred Swaniker, named, at age 34, to Forbes’ list of Africa’s Most Powerful Men Under 40.

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.

Leaders from across the globe, event co-chairs Dr. Henry Cheng (Vice Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Group) and Varda Shine (CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC); honourary co-chairs Li Bengong (CCF’s Vice President) and Russell Simmons (DEF’s co-founder and Advisory Board Chairman), joined forces to support social causes in Africa and China. The international gathering of social changers was in aid of both CCF and DEF’s shared mission to empower the economically disadvantaged in, respectively, Africa, where diamonds are a natural resource as well as China, the fastest-growing diamond purchasing market.

The evening started with welcome speeches by event co-chairs Dr. Henry Cheng and Varda Shine. Click here to read a transcription of Varda’s speech (PDF). Han Jingjin (CCF’s Vice Secretary-General) and Russell Simmons also gave speeches later in the evening about the two beneficiaries. The live auction, MC’d by Tim Dabson of DTC, raised US$700,000 with lots consisting of diamond jewellery sponsored by Chow Tai Fook and an exclusive selection of celebrity experiences including travel packages, dining packages, sports packages and a unique one-day fashion photo-shoot in New York with DEF Angel Rahma M.

“CCF is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event that will benefit many of those in need in China. Apart from raising money, the event will also help to sustain the traditional Chinese culture of helping others, which is the foundation of CCF. I’m confident that it’ll be a success!”
– Li Bengong, Vice President, China Charity Federation & Honourary Event Co-Chair

“We are grateful for Chow Tai Fook’s leadership in being the main sponsor of this hugely successful fund raiser last night in Hong Kong. The money raised will go a really long way towards benefitting the youth in Africa that DEF supports!”
– Russell Simmons, Advisory Board Chairman, DEF & Honourary Event Co-Chair

The evening also saw two great social changers — Cynthia Carroll (Chief Executive of Anglo American plc) and Dr. Cheng Yu-tung (Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Group) being honoured for their tireless efforts in improving the lives of individuals in China and Africa.

“I appreciate the recognition given to me by the organisers. I’m glad that there are others out there who are also eager to change the face of corporate social responsibility. I fully support this great cause!”
– Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive, Anglo American plc

“Commitment to corporate social responsibility has always been a top priority to me when running a business. I am happy that the event organisers share the same view. I am so pleased that the proceeds of last night’s event will mean that people in Africa and China will be benefited.”
– Dr. Cheng Yu-tung, Chairman, Chow Tai Fook Group

In addition, traditional Chinese “Mask Illusionists” Master Wai performed to the sold-out audience. Chow Tai Fook also generously sponsored a Diamond Show led by top models Vanessa Yeung and Mikki Yao. Renowned models and actresses Lynn Xiong, Jennifer Tse and Bianca Bai were in attendance to show support for the great cause.

About China Charity Federation (CCF)

Founded in 1994, with the objective of sustaining the traditional Chinese culture of helping others, China Charity Federation has been actively involved in numerous humanitarian activities and charitable endeavours in various aspects. Since its inception, CCF has raised more than RMB18.85 billion benefiting people throughout China.
For more information visit: http://cszh.mca.gov.cn/

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF)

Founded and based in the United States since 2007, the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (DEF) mission is to raise monies to support education initiatives in diamond producing countries empowering youth and promoting sustainable economic growth and social change. DEF has three named beneficiary organizations which serve as models for access to higher education – CIDA City Campus based in Johannesburg, South Africa; African Leadership Academy also based in Johannesburg and drawing students from all 54 African countries; and the Botswana Top Achievers Program, based in Gaborone. Sixty percent of the world’s diamonds come from Sub-Saharan Africa. In a land rich in diamonds, DEF’s goal is to help Africa’s most precious diamonds – its youth – have greater educational opportunities that lead to personal and economic empowerment.

Click here for more information about the Diamonds in the Sky Hong Kong Event or the DTC.

The event I’m here for, Diamonds in Sky: Hong Kong is already off to an amazing start!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Diamonds in the Sky event is a benefit dinner and auction that is supporting The Diamond Empowerment Fund and The China Charity Federation. After the huge successes of DEF London last fall, we are excited to be apart of Diamonds in the Sky: Hong Kong and with the full support from the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) and Chow Tai Fook (CTF), DEF is honored to be a beneficiary.

We kicked it off with great press conference announcing the event. When Cheng Yu-Tung, Chairman of Chow Tai Fook, said “The more that I give, the more happiness I gain,” I immediately knew this was going to be a special event.

While in Hong Kong I am keeping up with my yoga and meditation regimen. On the way out of Pure, a yoga spot in Hong Kong, I got the news that Swizz Beatz was in the area as well. Immediately I contacted him to see if he was available join me at the benefit. Without hesitation, Swizz agreed not only to attend but to make a $50,000 donation to empower African youth. Hip-Hop unites to change lives.

The benefit dinner and auction was hugely successful! DEF Angel Rahma M. raised $115,000 for @DEF_Africa at Diamonds in the Sky: Hong Kong. Megaupload.com won Rahma M for $115,000 in a bidding war against Swizz Beatz who bid a just as incredible $100,000.

Check out all of the photos I took with my blackberry. More to come.

~Russell Simmons