Diamond Fundraiser and Auction of Celebrity-Designed Jewelry Boxes to Raise Money for Local Charities

Business Wire, Sept 9, 2004

AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications Austin to Host Diamond Anniversary Gala

WHO:   Austin Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications
       (AWC Austin)

WHAT:  AWC will celebrate its 75th Anniversary at the Diamond Gala,
       which will feature prominent women who have impacted Austin's
       history for more than seven decades

WHEN:  Saturday, September 18, 2004, 7 pm/cst

WHERE: The Hilton Austin Hotel, 500 E. Fourth St.

In an election year, charitable contributions at lavish fundraising galas saturate the national atmosphere, spotlighting political events and funding the campaign trail. During these times, is the focus on local charities lost? Austin's Association for Women in Communications answers with a resounding "no." Join Austin's most notable, respected women in the field of communications September 18, 2004, for AWC's 75th Anniversary Gala, one of Austin's most philanthropic events of the year.

The Gala will be at the Hilton Austin Hotel and will include a Diamond Champagne Fundraiser where attendees can win a one-carat diamond while supporting AWC's Jo Caldwell Meyer scholarship fund. A Jewelry Box Auction will feature personalized, decorated jewelry boxes by local celebrities, politicians and media and will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting CASA of Travis County, a local nonprofit which helps abused and neglected children. Some of the celebrity jewelry box designers include singer/songwriter Sarah Hickman, UT baseball coach Augie Garrido, musician Django Walker and Texas Senator Florence Shapiro. The Diamond Champagne Fundraiser will further AWC Austin's efforts to provide scholarships to communications students at area universities.

"AWC Austin has granted more than $13,000 in scholarships during the past decade," says Rebecca Giello, president of AWC Austin. "Proceeds from the Diamond Champagne Fundraiser at AWC's 75th Anniversary Gala will assist in our efforts to endow the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship Fund. We appreciate the ongoing support of our sponsors who have contributed to our chapter's success."

The Diamond Anniversary Gala is open to the public and will include a unique video presentation, an elegant dinner and entertainment by The Newsboyz and the Mike Kasberg Quartet. Tickets are $75, with each attendee receiving a set of pearl earrings valued at $35. To reserve a seat, visit www.awicaustin.org/gala.htm. The deadline to RSVP is Monday, September 13, 2004.

AWC Austin

The Association for Women in Communications serves to advance professionals in all disciplines of communications. AWC Austin's membership is comprised of journalists, graphic designers, small business owners, marketers, meeting planners, writers, public relations experts and more. AWC Austin provides professional development opportunities; develops mentor relationships; cultivates networking and community volunteerism opportunities as well as to promotes leadership opportunities in Austin. Founded under the name Theta Sigma Phi, AWC has long been known for innovative programming, unique educational and professional growth opportunities and leadership in the field of communications. For more information about AWC Austin, please visit www.awicaustin.org.

CASA of Travis County

CASA of Travis County is the only non-profit organization in Austin that provides long-term volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children. CASA of Travis County has been advocating for the abused and neglected children of Travis County since 1985. For more information about CASA Travis County please visit www.casatravis.org.