Auction to benefit Russell Simmons' Diamond Empowerment Fund

Diamonds equal love and love is always in fashion. So the Russell Simmons' created Diamond Empowerment Fund(TM) (D.E.F.), launching its first on-line fundraising event - DIAMONDS GIVE - with an exclusive charity auction of diamond jewelry and unique celebrity experiences is right on time! Be fabulous, fashionable and philanthropic this holiday season.
The DIAMONDS GIVE fundraising auction will feature approximately 15 lots of donated fine diamond pieces, including an extraordinary diamond encrusted Ohm Watch from the Simmons Jewelry Co. made from unusual red Monkstone and 6.5 carats of pave diamonds, designed and worn by D.E.F. Chairman Russell Simmons. Bidders will have the opportunity to win a professional photo shoot in New York or Los Angeles with a celebrity who is an advocate for D.E.F.'s mission of giving back to Africa through education programs in countries where diamonds are a natural resource. The recipient will also receive the Simmons Jewelry Co.'s Green Bracelet, with the bracelet box autographed by the celebrity. The recipient will receive a copy of the photo, and the photos will be published in one of the major weekly celebrity magazines, as well as on the D.E.F. website.
Celebrities participating include Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, Rev Run & Justine Simmons, Petra Nemcova, Brett Ratner, Naomi Campbell, Cedric The Entertainer, Cynthia Nixon, Holly Robinson Peete and Derek Jeter (who will donate a New York Yankees' memorabilia package).
Jewelers participating include Simmons Jewelry Co., Lorraine Schwartz (donating diamond hoop earrings), Jack Vartanian , Jeri Cohen Fine Jewelry (donating a diamond butterfly necklace and amethyst and diamond earrings), William Goldberg Company (donating a pave diamond ring), Michelle Farmer Fine Jewelry (donating a citrine and diamond ring set in 18K gold and featured in Harper's Bazaar magazine), Leo Schacter (donating a diamond pendant), Calhoun Jewelers (donating an estate piece), Fortunoff, Macy's, Kwiat, Security Jewelers and Steinmetz (donating a replica of the Monaco Grand Prix Racing Trophy).
The DIAMONDS GIVE charity auction will be hosted on eBay Giving Works, the dedicated program for charity listings on eBay, starting December 6th and running for 10 days. The Diamond Empowerment Fund has engaged Auction Cause to produce the auction for eBay. Auction Cause is a premier auction management agency specializing in high profile cause marketing events for brands, nonprofits, and celebrities.For further information, go to www.diamondempowerment.org .

ABOUT D.E.F.
Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund(TM) (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.

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.