Oodles of Love in Carolina

“My little old dog:
A heart-beat
At my feet.”
- Edith Wharton

My guardian angel does not have wings. She has curly hair, a skip in her step, and an ever-wagging tail. Coco, my ten-year-old miniature “rescue” poodle, has been the one doing all of the rescuing since I adopted her from Carolina Poodle Rescue six years ago. She needed a loving home, yes, but I needed to heal my wayward heart. She arrived at a lonely, tentative time in my life and brought me the spirit that I needed to move forward.

I am ever-thankful for Coco and for Carolina Poodle Rescue, a private rescue group near Spartanburg, South Carolina. In the past nine years, they have carefully matched over 2000 fuzzy companions with their “furever homes.” Thanks to Dreamweaver Farms, CPR’s 50-acre haven in upstate South Carolina, they are able to provide rehabilitation and sanctuary, whether temporary or permanent, for poodles and other needy dogs. CPR focuses on poodles and poodle mixes, but as director Donna Ezzell explains: “We take in non-poodles from time to time because a non-poodle’s story touches the heart of someone here.” Their efforts are funded solely through adoption fees and donations, but I am amazed at how conscientiously and generously CPR cares for every creature who crosses its threshold. It was my admiration for all that CPR does that inspired me to join their team of volunteers.

My volunteer work with CPR even merges nicely with my work at Fink’s Jewelers. A retail schedule actually allows for unique availability when it comes to transporting dogs to the safety of the farm or from the farm to their adoptive families. At first I was sad that I wasn’t able to help out on the weekends, which is when most volunteers are available. However, I usually have a day off during the week, so I can fill in on weekdays when other volunteers are at work. I also make an effort to integrate my experience at Fink’s Jewelers with my CPR involvement. I’ve worked in the office and on the sales floor at Fink’s Jewelers. I apply my knack for paperwork and my passion for developing client relationships to help CPR treasurer Beth Jancse maintain one of their adopter databases.

Carolina Poodle Rescue and Fink’s Jewelers are among the many blessings for which I express gratitude this Thanksgiving - and every day. My rescue poodle is the embodiment of so many blessings – my guardian angel, my heart-beat, Coco.

To learn more about Carolina Poodle Rescue, please visit their website and check out their page on Facebook.

Now through December 16, 2009, support Carolina Poodle Rescue, just by voting at care2.com. The winning shelter will receive $10,000!

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Ellen Freeman has been with Fink's Jewelers for 4 years. When she's not busy rescuing poodles, she enjoys synchronized figure skating and spending quality time with friends and family.

Fink's Jewelers proudly honors our rich tradition and history for helping our communities become a better place to live, work and play. Each year we provide financial and in-kind support to numerous organizations and encourage our employees to become active leaders in the community.

Fink's Featured in InStyle Magazine

Fink’s Jewelers makes an appearance in one of the hottest fashion magazines!

Throughout the February issue of InStyle Magazine, you’ll see today’s hottest celebrities, the season’s latest fashion trends and… Fink’s Jewelers!!

We threw a Balinese bash at our Short Pump location in Richmond, Virginia and it was the talk of the town! Guy Berida, head designer for John Hardy, made a special appearance to unveil his latest designs and meet some of his avid collectors. In celebration of the John Hardy Balinese culture, guests enjoyed cocktails and organic hors d’oeuvres inspired by the Indonesian island of Bali. In addition to great food, friends and fabulous jewelry, one lucky guest won an all expense paid trip to Bali!

Cheers to InStyle and John Hardy for bringing Fink’s Jewelers into the fashion spotlight! Grab the February issue of InStyle Magazine and check it out for yourself…

The Pink Ribbon Gathering

by Sarah Floyd, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate at 419 at Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA

This week marked Roanoke’s 11th annual Pink Ribbon Gathering. This American Cancer Society fundraiser is a project that the Fink family whole-heartedly supports and Marc Fink has actively backed it for years, hosting a table at the event as well. In the past Fink’s Jewelers has partnered with Mikimoto, Cartier, John Hardy, Roberto Coin and David Yurman for this event.

The Pink Ribbon event began as a Pink Ribbon Tea to raise fund for the local American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. It was hosted in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ladies came in hats and white gloves to support this great cause. A fashion show of Discovery Shop fashions served as entertainment and a group of volunteers made sandwiches, tea and sweets. In the first year almost $10,000 was raised.

Over time, with excellent volunteer leadership, the event has expanded and grown into a large luncheon. The Pink Ribbon Gathering is now hosted at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Over 600 attendees participate in the event. The luncheon includes a pre-Gathering time, gourmet lunch, fashion show, jewelry giveaway and a speaker.

Fink’s sponsorship has grown as well. This year we donated 100 gift bags containing jewelry, Fink’s Jewelers Gift Cards and one bag had a grand prize in it from a vendor partner. This year David Yurman and Fink’s are donating a necklace and earring set from the Pavé Quatrefoil Collection! No wonder the gift bags sell out before the day of the event! Proceeds from the gift bags are donated in full to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for and contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

At 2007’s luncheon Janie Fink, author and survivor shared her incredibly funny and moving journey through cancer and beyond and received an enthusiast standing ovation from the crowd.


Annually, this event nets over $55,000 for the American Cancer Society breast programs and services. To find out more about the 2008 event that took place October 20, please go to www.pinkribbonroanoke.org.

Sarah Floyd has been in the jewelry industry for 27 years, the past 10 with Fink’s first as manager at Towers Mall and 419 @ Colonial Ave. and now as a Sales Associate at 419 @ Colonial Avenue, Sarah has been involved with the Pink Ribbon Luncheon as a committee member and attendee for the past 7 years. She is shown here with a rather handsome Abercrombie and Fitch model and Joy Davis of Fink's SouthPark.

The Big Bad Ball

by Carlos Colmenero, Fink's Jewelers, Store Manager at The Streets at Southpoint, Durham, NC

There is nothing like a night out on the town! The first event I was able to attend for Fink’s was the Hospice of Wake County’s “Big Bad Ball” hosted by the Capital City Club in downtown Raleigh. Talk about electricity! The club occupies the entire top floor of the Progress Energy Building! That’s one thing I love about working for Fink’s Jewelers. Marc Fink really wants us involved in the community. He told me on my first day I needed to find something that I believed in, that I could be a part of and help to make a difference. Anyway, I’m digressing…..back to the Big Bad Ball. The name says it all. As a manager, I am fortunate to attend a variety of events. They all have great causes and many are for charities that help the community. The Big Bad Ball is one that takes it to another level.


The first year I attended, I remember Adriane Karlinski from our Triangle Town Center store giving me a call to ask if I would like tickets for my wife and me to attend. Of course I had heard about it from years past and immediately said yes! Since then, I have been looking forward to it every year. It’s a black tie event and when walking down the hall of the Progress Energy Building in downtown Raleigh, YOU FEEL THE ENERGY! You are always greeted with a smile…..at $125 a ticket you should be…but they spare no expense. Up to the top floor you go. There you are greeted with champagne and again a smile.

Another great thing for both the Hospice of Wake County and Fink’s is that we earn a Platinum Sponsorship which means Fink’s commits to donating over $10,000 to Hospice. This year, for example, we have partnered with Breitling for the event to provide two luxury timepieces.


Every year as I survey the attendants, everyone looks sharp. When I first arrive I like to see what we are donating on display. Adriane, who I mentioned earlier, is responsible for the event for Fink’s, and has been working hand in hand with the Hospice of Wake County on the pieces we are raffling. Everyone who purchased a ticked is eligible to win. When you get there, you tear off your ticket stub and throw it in the bucket. Like I mentioned, Breitling is our 2008 partner and I can’t wait to see what will be won!

Time to hit the silent auction tables; so many things for auction; I have to keep my wife from taking us to the poor house! Oh well, it’s for a great cause! From autographed basketballs and footballs to Hurricane jerseys and trips to Mexico, the silent auction has it all. I’m telling you…..there are literally over 1000 pieces up for bid! There is even a local artist who creates a masterpiece before your eyes.

After tearing my wife away from the spa and beauty table we head over to check out the food. This is what I look forward to the most. The buffet at this event puts any buffet in Vegas to shame…no joke! And the music, oh the music. They have live bands
and I have a good friend who usually plays the keyboard in one of the bands, so I go visit him for a few. Meanwhile the countdown is on for the silent auction…which means we are only minutes away from the main event (and I’ve lost my wife again). I guess I could be a little biased when it comes to this part of the event…mainly because we are involved. Time for the magic!

Everyone gathers around the podium. With windows all around, you can see Raleigh in all its splendor….The winner of the Breitling watches are…? I guess you’ll have to attend this year if you want to know, it could be you!

Time to get another bite to eat and hit the dance floor. I’m not even sure what time the event ends since it has outlasted me the past 4 years. Sincerely though, the event is a great time. The part that I like best is that everyone has a great time
and it helps support a wonderful cause. My grandfather was in need of hospice care but where he lived it wasn’t offered. A true shame. To help an organization like the Hospice of Wake County is not only part of the job…but a pleasure!

For more information or to join in on this year’s Big Bad Ball, click here.

Carlos has been in the jeweler industry for 12 years and will be celebrating his 6th year with Fink's this October. He and his beautiful wife Lori have been married for 10 years and have a superstar son, Kobe and a soon-to-be daughter, Avery.

Pink Ribbon Polo Cup

Charlottesville, VA
pinkribbonpolo.com

Fink’s Jewelers participates in many Pink Ribbon events throughout the year. Each employee involved volunteers their personal time and energy to make event a success. One such event is the Pink Ribbon Polo Cup ....

Over the past four years the Pink Ribbon Polo Cup has become a highly anticipated event in Charlottesville. This year’s event was held on June 14 at the King Family Vineyards in Crozet with Team Eagle versus Team Embarq in the main event. Proceeds from this event are divided equally between Martha Jefferson Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System Cancer Center for the fight against breast cancer. Organized by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation the event is more than just a polo match.

Festivities began mid-morning with a tour by the Stage Junction Clydesdales; live music was provided by the Duke Merrick Band and a wine tasting was held by the Vineyards. The majority of attendees brought picnic lunches and set up either under the pink umbrellas or field side waiting anxiously for the traditional divot stomp. Karen Sherwin and Dianne Bain from Fink’s Jeweler’s Barracks Road location participated, coordinating a beautiful Roberto Coin Cheval Collection bracelet donation for the raffle. With breast cancer prevention, awareness and research being near and dear to the Fink’s family, we’re ecstatic to participate in such wonderful and worthwhile events.

Seeing Stars. . .

Sometimes we see stars. Real, live stars hanging around Fink's events and employees. We hadn’t mentioned it? That’s cause we know how to play it cool, or at least hide our excitement until the photo is taken.

Short Pump’s Vicki Robinson with John Travolta:


MacArthur Center Manager Dan Schaffer with John Travolta:


SouthPark’s Anna Gordon with Rusty Wallace:


Watch Buyer Mitch Skaggs with Tiger Woods:

Events, and Then More Events

This fourth quarter has been an especially busy time for Fink's Jewelers with planning, executing and enjoying our customer events. The next few posts will have photos from our events both at our stores and off site. And other event photos will be shown in the side bar to the left.

First is the John Hardy event held at the Charles Luck Stone Center in Richmond by Architectural Digest and Fink's. John Hardy's leading designer, Guy Bedarida, was present and brought along special one-of-a-kind pieces from the Cinta Collection as well as Hardy classics.

And those shots are just of the amazing jewelry. Here at corporate we LOVE good food, not to mention the great location!

And finally. . .these two ladies made the trek from Fink's corporate office in Roanoke to make sure things ran smoothly.

John Hardy Buyer Kristie Lipscomb & Marketing Director Lindsey Kirby