KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Helzberg Diamonds, a leader in fine jewelry and diamonds, has launched the sale of its 2006 limited edition Sparkle(TM) the Bear nationwide to generate funds to benefit children who are the victims of catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect. All profits from the sale of Sparkle the Bears will be donated to Jewelers for Children, which supports four child-focused charities: The National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of America, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R) and The Elizabeth Glacier Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Jewelers for Children is an organization of industry retailers and manufacturers who work together to raise money to help children in need. Recently, Helzberg Diamonds Chairman and CEO Marvin Beasley was named by Jewelers for Children as their 2007 Facets of Hope Honoree. The honoree is responsible for leading industry fundraising efforts to help these organizations. "Because of our company's ongoing commitment to helping children in need, we will approach this great responsibility with enthusiasm," Beasley said. Last year, Helzberg Diamonds contributed a total of $137,000 to Jewelers for Children. "We've found that our employees really get involved in this holiday fundraising effort," said Stacey McBride, spokesperson for Helzberg Diamonds. "In the spirit of giving, one of our store associates at The Shops at LaCantera in San Antonio recently purchased 50 Sparkle the Bears and is donating all of them to the Methodist Children's Home, an orphanage in the San Antonio area." The employee, Dawn Sloop, was inspired to do this after watching "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Oct. 30 that gave $1,000 to each audience member with the challenge to donate their money to a charitable cause and give to strangers in acts of kindness. "Dawn felt that Sparkle the Bear, which offers 100 percent of its profits to children's charity, was the perfect fit," said McBride. Sparkle the Bear wears a soft, red sparkle sweater and holds a trendy, coordinating messenger bag, ideal for presenting holiday jewelry or gifts. The limited edition design (and an image of the bear) is available during the holiday season for $9.99 at Helzberg Diamonds stores and http://www.helzberg.com/ . "We've seen that during this time, there are shoppers who are looking for charitable gift ideas that help others," said McBride. "By purchasing Sparkle the Bear, you are donating to an important cause and can continue the kindness by giving a loved one the bear as a holiday gift." About Helzberg Diamonds: Helzberg Diamonds is a retail jewelry company that has over 260 stores across the United States selling fine jewelry, including a wide selection of diamonds, precious gems and watches. Helzberg Diamonds takes pride in its 90- plus-year heritage of offering exceptional value, personal customer service and the exclusive designs and timeless jewelry such as the Helzberg Diamonds Masterpiece.(TM) Helzberg Diamonds is based in North Kansas City, Mo., and is part of the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK) family of companies. For the locations of Helzberg Diamonds stores nearest you, call toll-free (800) 562-2835 or visit helzberg.com. DATASOURCE: Helzberg Diamonds CONTACT: Stacey McBride, Helzberg Diamonds, +1-816-627-1265, , or Lathi de Silva for Helzberg Diamonds, +1-316-258-6610, Web site: http://www.helzberg.com/

Copyright