As the December 2007 holiday shopping season is reaching a fever pitch, The Diamond Empowerment Fund™ (D.E.F.) launches its inaugural on-line fundraising event, DIAMONDS GIVE, with an exclusive auction of dazzling diamond jewelry and unique celebrity photo experiences hosted on eBay Giving Works.

The auction will feature approximately 15 lots of donated fine diamond pieces, including an extraordinary Ohm Watch from the Simmons Jewelry Co., designed and worn by D.E.F. Chairman Russell Simmons, and a replica of the Monaco Grand Prix Racing Trophy created by Steinmetz.

Celebrity photo experience packages add to the excitement of supporting D.E.F.’s efforts to help Africans Help Africa through education. Bid on the chance to have your picture taken with a celebrity who is an advocate for D.E.F.’s mission. Successful bidders will also receive the Simmons Jewelry Co.’s Green Bracelet of malachite and rough diamond, with the bracelet box autographed by the celebrity. The recipient will receive a copy of the photo, and all of the photos will be published together on the D.E.F. website and possibly in a national publication. Photos will be arranged at the convenience of the participating celebrity in a New York or Los Angeles as specified by the celebrity.

HEAR MORE FROM RUSSELL SIMMONS ABOUT THIS AUCTION EVENT:

ABOUT D.E.F.
Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund™ (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization established by individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industry and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa. We believe education is one of the most critical elements that powers society and empowers individuals to realize their full human potential. D.E.F.’s mission is to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. D.E.F. endeavors to partner with African education organizations that have a proven methodology for helping young people achieve success through self-determination, focus, and opportunity. The Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by and works exclusively with jewelers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and System of Warranties.

Pictured at the top of the page, CIDA City Campus students in the classroom, and having some fun time socializing. In Pink is Lerato, an inspiring 23 year-old CIDA student who has overcome tremendous challenges on the road to earning her college degree.

First Beneficiary: CIDA, A Model for Education in South Africa
D.E.F. launches its program efforts with the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the initial beneficiary of support. CIDA (Community and Individual Development Association) City Campus has reinvented traditional models of higher education. Every student at this higher education institution is on a scholarship and comes from a financially disadvantaged background. The deeply felt mission behind CIDA is to provide mass-scale, quality higher education and to provide an effective human development strategy for South Africa. Its vision is to contribute to the economic and social transformation of the sub-continent of Africa. Currently, there are 3,400 students enrolled in CIDA in Johannesburg (1,400 students enrolled full-time in the Bachelors of Business Administration degree program, and 2,000 students in part-time technical/vocational training courses). There are plans to replicate the CIDA model in other provinces of South Africa and beyond. For further information, visit www.diamondempowerment.org.