By Tara J. McKenna

The Alumni Association is accepting donations for its second annual silent and live auctions to be held Feb. 7 at the Marriott University Park Hotel, Tucson, Arizona, in conjunction with its Dance Party at the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows.

All auction proceeds will benefit the GIA Alumni Fund, which provides the Alumni Association with the means to improve individual chapter functions, host noteworthy international speakers and support any other priorities that may emerge. Monies raised through donations are permanently invested and the interest earned is disbursed, over time, to fund the Association’s programs.

“Supporting this fund will benefit GIA alumni and the Alumni Association alike by providing benefits that directly affect our alumni’s professional growth,” said Patrick B. Ball, G.G., director of the GIA Alumni Association. “Last year we raised $10,000 for the Alumni Fund from these auctions. This year we hope to raise $25,000.”

One of the items already donated is a private champagne dinner for two atop GIA’s Tower of Brilliance. The winning bidder and his or her guest will dine next to the celebrated Swarovski crystal octahedron as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. They’ll also take home a miniature-size Swarovski crystal octahedron made exclusively for GIA.

“Whoever places the winning bid will get to see the craftsmanship of the one-ton Swarovski crystal octahedron up close and personal,” said GIA Alumni Manager Rose McKenna. “The GIA Tower of Brilliance is not open to the public, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Other items include an original, autographed John Koivula, G.G., microphotograph of inclusions in a gemstone; $995 worth of GIA Education classes at the AGS Las Vegas facility; and booth space at the MIDAS Fine Jewelry Show in Dallas, Texas.

For more information on how to donate items, contact Rose McKenna at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4145. Outside the U.S., call (760) 603-4145 or E-mail rmckenna@gia.edu.

Silent Auction Ideas:
Gemstones
Jewelry
Gemological equipment
Industry books
Industry subscriptions
GIA course sponsorship
Dinner in Tucson with an industry notable
Las Vegas show tickets
Airfare to Tucson
Hotel accommodations in Tucson
Ski holiday
Golf clubs
A round of golf at an exclusive club
Tickets to a sporting event
Autographed memorabilia
Special wines or spirits
Specialty gift baskets