JCK’s 2020 Industry Fund Now Open for Submissions

Norwalk, Conn.—JCK has opened its 2020 Industry Fund for applications.

Its committee chooses recipients based on how their goals align with those of the fund.

These include: improving commerce and the image of the jewelry industry for the consumer, addressing challenges the industry faces, and helping to develop educational content that can have a profound impact on addressing jewelry industry and consumer concerns.

The JCK Industry Fund Committee consists of Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president, Reed Jewelry Group; Joel Schechter, CEO, Honora; John Green, president and CEO, Lux Bond & Green; Eddie Levian, CEO, Le Vian; and Michael Lerche, president, Goldstar Jewellery LLC.

Donations are collected year-round and allocated annually.

Recently, JCK also started engaging the industry overall to support the fund’s mission by accepting donations from its customers. For the past two years, JCK exhibitors have contributed while those attending the shows have had the opportunity to donate when registering.

Since 1997, the fund has awarded more than $6 million toward program grants to benefit the jewelry industry.

This year’s Industry Fund gave a total of $265,500 in grants—over $25,000 more than last year—to five recipients: the Canadian Jewellers Association, Diamond Empowerment Fund, Jewelers’ Security Alliance, Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Women’s Jewelry Association.

“As global leaders in the jewelry industry, JCK strongly believes that it is an essential element and part of our corporate responsibility to give back and continue to nurture an industry that has given so much to so many,” Weinrich said.

“As the fund increases in size and scope, monies are directed to where they are needed the most, and where significant impacts can be achieved. The 2019 recipients embody our mission of giving back to the community with relevant and important causes for the health of our industry and we look forward to reviewing submissions for 2020.”

The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 22.

For additional information or to apply, visit JCKOnline.com/IndustryFund or contact jckindustryfund@reedexpo.com.