From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
JFC’s Giving Jewelers the Chance at a $100K Makeover
The new “Super Store Makeover Contest” is a competition in which jewelers solicit donations for the charity for the chance to win money to renovate their store.

New York--Does your store need a makeover? Jewelers for Children can help.
The industry charity just announced the launch of the “Super Store Makeover Contest,” a competition in which jewelers solicit donations for JFC between Aug. 15 and Dec. 31 for the chance to win money toward a renovation.
For every donor that contributes to a store’s fundraising efforts, the store will earn 10 points. Retailers also earn 1 point per every $500 raised.
The store that earns the most points will win a store makeover valued at more than $100,000. The winner will be announced in January 2017.
“We wanted a system that was fair and equitable to all independent retailers, regardless of their size, said Debra Puzio, vice president of special programs for JFC. Everyone knows it takes the same amount of effort to recruit a donor, whether they give $10,000 or $100. By having a point system, we make sure that the work required to recruit a donor is rewarded, as well as the amount raised being recognized.”
Contest participants must create a fundraising progress page on FirstGiving.com to monitor their progress. The contest is open to any independent retailer.
Fundraising ideas and examples are detailed on the JFC website.
The Super Store Makeover Contest was the brainchild of JFC board member Eric Zuckerman of Pac Team Group. Pac Team is sponsoring the contest, along with Grid/3 International, ARMS USA, Majilite & Partners, StarLuxe Branding, Lansa Americas, Rio Grande, Imtech Graphics, Global Logistics, Jaboa Enterprises and the CSI Group.
These companies will be donating products and services for the makeover.
Since its inception in 1999, JFC has donated more than $51 million to child-related charities including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish America, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the National CASA Association.
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