Jewelers for Children (JFC), a non-profit charitable organization representing jewelry manufacturers and retailers, raises millions of dollars annually through the generosity of its members. Since its inception in 1999, JFC has donated nearly $30 million to organizations whose programs benefit children in need.

In 2008, Autism Speaks became one of JFC's beneficiary charities, and in 2009, JFC is expanding its support by designating Autism Speaks as one of its “legacy charities.”

As a legacy charity, Autism Speaks joins the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and Court Appointed Special Advocates as the charities that will receive the bulk of JFC's annual fundraising efforts. For 2009, JFC has committed $225,000 to support the Toddler Treatment Network, a research program funded by Autism Speaks.

The announcement of Autism Speaks' designation as a legacy charity was made during the “Facets of Hope” fundraising gala on May 31, 2009, during the jewelry industry's annual Las Vegas trade show. The annual benefit dinner raises funds for Jewelers for Children, acknowledges the efforts of the industry's top leaders, and highlights the impact made on young heroes who have benefited from the industry's support in the past year. Presentations were made by each of the five legacy charities; Philip Hain, the father of a teenager with autism and Executive Director of Autism Speaks' Los Angeles Chapter, represented Autism Speaks.

Of the selection of Autism Speaks as one of JFC's legacy charities, President Mark Roithmayr stated, “I speak for the many children and families affected by autism in expressing my deep gratitude to the JFC Board of Directors for including Autism Speaks in this group of outstanding organizations that benefit from the industry's generosity. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”

Joel Schechter, president and CEO of Honora and JFC's vice president for Charity Programs, stated, "Our mission has always been to support organizations that help children and Autism Speaks is so relevant in today's world and in our mix of charity partners. They are a perfect fit in our family of Legacy Charities."

Anyone in the jewelry industry interested in supporting Autism Speaks through JFC can learn more by contacting Scott Leibowitz, Autism Speaks' director of corporate relations, at sleibowitz@autismspeaks.org.