The Jewelers Charity Fund for Children (JCF), the jewelry industry's charity, will honor Mary Forte, President & CEO of Zale Corporation and Matthew J. Runci, President & CEO of Jewelers of America at their 2003 Facets of Hope Dinner in Las Vegas on June 1st, 2003.

Forte and Runci were selected as next year's honorees because of their tremendous work through the years, says JCF Chairman Victor Weinman.

"The Jewelers Charity Fund for Children is delighted to honor two of our industry's most respected leaders," says Weinman. "Both Mary and Matt have given of their time and hearts to JCF since it began five years ago. They have taught us the true meaning of giving."

The JCF recently distributed $2.6 million raised prior to their 2002 Facets of Hope Dinner to its recipient charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Make-A-Wish India, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Glaser Pediatric Research Network and The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

Representatives of the entire jewelry industry created the Jewelers Charity Fund for Children with the mission of raising money for charities that primarily benefit children.