The Connoisseur's Trail auction in Vail, CO

Pamela was featured in the Summer/Fall 2010 issue of Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, and their special insert, Panache, because she is donating a one-of-a-kind pair of "Scroll Crush Cap" earrings (18k Gold with Turquoise & Diamonds) to the annual Connoisseur's Trail auction. You can find Pamela's work in Vail year-round at The Squash Blossom, a very cool local gallery. (See previous blog entry for pictures from Pamela's recent Trunk Show at The Squash Blossom")

Proceeds from "The Connoisseur's Trail" will go to the scholarship fund for the Battle Mountain High school ProStart culinary program.
ProStart is the career-building program for high school students who are interested in culinary arts and restaurant and foodservice management. Throughout an exciting two-year period, they study in the classroom, participate in mentored work experiences, and test their skills in local and national competitions.
ProStart is an excellent career starter for high school students, an exciting teaching opportunity for educators, a truly rewarding experience for ProStart Coordinators, a chance to share practical knowledge for mentors, and a smart investment in the future for ProStart partners.
The Battle Mountain ProStart Culinary Team took first place at the Colorado Restaurant Association's state competition in March 2010 and placed fourth at the nationals competition in April 2010. ProStart and culinary teacher Sharon Wible and mentor chef Paul Ferzacca have helped students in the program win eight state competitions, one national competition and two second places in national competitions.

2009 Dallas Rocks Charity Auction for D.E.F.

One-of-a-kind "Roman Nymph" Necklace

I was excited to participate in this year's Dallas Rocks / Diamond Empowerment Fund Charity Auction, which raises money to support higher education in South Africa! I decided to donate my "Roman Nymph" pendant, a one-of-a-kind piece made of 18k yellow "crushed" gold with Morganite, Tourmaline, Diamonds, and a lustrous Pink Freshwater Pearl. The winning bid also received one of my signature leather boxes and, of course, a chain to wear the pendant on.

If you've been reading my blogs, then you know I am currently working on a project for the Diamond Empowerment Fund; a stylish unisex Dog Tag that will help raise more money for this worthy cause. This project is still in the works, but I'll let you all know when the Dog Tag is available for purchase. I think I might even make a one-of-a-kind "blingy" version of the Dog Tag for next year's Dallas Rocks event!

Cheers & Crushes,
Pamela

More about the Diamond Empowerment Fund:
The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization founded by Russell Simmons, along with other individuals in the diamond and jewelry industries and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa. 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. CIDA City Campus in Johannesburg is D.E.F.'s first named beneficiary and a model for higher education in South Africa

CIDA (Community and Individual Development Association) was established to provide higher education designed to encourage human, economic and social development for the large population of South African youth living in disadvantaged communities. In 2000, CIDA City Campus was launched in Johannesburg, South Africa as Africa's first virtually free college, to provide opportunity for the huge numbers of students who had no access to furthering their education. The school combined self-development initiatives with an academic focus on a business degree program, along with skill-building programs for students not yet prepared for higher education. Student service to the school and the student's own community was also a fundamental principal.