Independents

Feel-Good Friday: A Passion Turned Passion Project

IndependentsAug 18, 2017

Feel-Good Friday: A Passion Turned Passion Project

Adwar Casting’s Keith Adwar started cycling after being diagnosed with diabetes but has since turned it into an opportunity to raise money to find a cure.

20170818_Adwar-header.jpg
Team Adwar-Newman at a 2014 biking event to raise money for diabetes research

Southampton, N.Y.--It started as a way to stay healthy after a diabetes diagnosis and has turned into an event that raises thousands to find a cure for the disease.

In 2009, just as he was celebrating his 44th birthday, Adwar Casting Chief Financial Officer Keith Adwar was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. His doctor recommended finding a workout routine that would help him keep his blood sugar level down while also taking medication.

Enter two of Adwar’s close friends--David Newman and Steven Garten, cyclists who talked him into taking up their hobby and buying a road bike.

The friends’ shared passion soon led them to the realization that they should ride to help raise money for a good cause; he and his friends first decided to bike around Manhattan to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.

After raising about $6,000 that first year without too much effort, Adwar said, they decided to ride for something a little more personal. In 2011, they switched to raising money for diabetes research, and Team Adwar was born.

Acting as co-chair for the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure Bike ride in Long Island, Adwar, through all teams, helped raise more than $1.2 million dollars between 2011 and 2014.

His team’s name became Team Adwar-Newman when Newman’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 15.

Over the years, Adwar-Newman has grown to include neighbors, customers, family and friends, and has included more than 100 different bikers who have raised some $225,000 for diabetes research.

“Cycling has helped a lot in my fight to stay healthy, and I’m really grateful for it,” Adwar said. “I’m happy to be able to raise money to find a cure through that.”

But Adwar grew unhappy with the way funds were being spent by the ADA, and he left in search of another way to help raise money for the cause.  

He came upon the Diabetes Research Institute at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. (Adwar and his brother, Gregg, are University of Miami alumni.) The institute’s foundation raises funds that go toward finding a cure for diabetes, with a very small percentage going to administrative costs, Adwar said.


Keith Adwar and David Newman at a diabetes ride
He approached the institute about holding a ride to raise money for them, a first of its kind, in Long Island.

Last year

was the first official Empire Ride for the DRI, raising about $22,000 by riding time.

The second Empire Ride is scheduled to take place next month.

Adwar said he doesn’t have a specific monetary goal in mind for the event this year, as they’re still working on building it and adding riders. Ideally, though, he’d like to have the event be a million-dollar ride within the next four to five years.

And though he says he’s generally hesitant to ask people for money, they have run radio ads and social media posts to garner attention for it and raise funds. The DRI also has created a video for the efforts.

For Adwar, it’s not about his name or the company’s name, it’s about raising the money and also advocating for the healthy lifestyle he has adopted.

“I’ve motivated a lot of people. That’s where I’m proud,” he said.

The 2017 Empire Ride will take place on Sept. 24, offering riders four route options: 25 miles, 50 miles, 70 miles and 100 miles.

Anyone interested in donating or starting their own team can reach out to Adwar at kadwar@adwar.com or visit the Empire Ride’s website.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy