Sept. 26, 2005 –– The Caribbean Islands Alumni Chapter of the Gemological Institute of America plans to help the territory's youth learn the jewelry business. In conjunction with the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce, it will hold a fundraiser Oct. 20 to raise money to fund its educational endeavors.
The event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Pilgrims Terrace restaurant on St. Thomas. Tickets are $35 and include hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Committee member Jane Griffiths said the money goes to fund training seminars for young people already in the territory's jewelry industry or with a strong interest in a jewelry career.
"Anybody's who's interested," she said.
She said the organization sponsored summer classes at the University of the Virgin Islands in diamond grading and becoming an accredited jewelry professional.
Cecilia L. Gardner is the guest speaker at the Oct. 20 event. She is the director and attorney for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a non-profit trade association that helps keep jewelers in compliance with laws pertaining to their industry.
Gardener is on the Women's Jewelry Association and the Jewelers Charity Fund for Children boards of directors.
A graduate of Smith College and Hofstra University School of Law, she teaches a class in International Criminal Law at Hofstra.
She has served as an attorney and prosecutor for various federal and local government agencies.
To better plan, the Caribbean Islands Alumni Chapter would like to know how many people plan to attend the event. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 776-0100 to reserve a spot.
