Michael C. Fina Diamond Dash & a Cure for a cause

All photos with thanks from Michael C. Fina

There were lots of events going on in New York during Fashion Week however, this was a 'runway' of a different kind and for a good cause. Hundreds of couples dashed around Manhattan on Saturday, September 12th, in search of a $20,000 engagement ring, Hawaiian honeymoon and more as part of the “Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & a Cure.” The event was sponsored by Michael C. Fina and Tacori, leaders in the jewelry and bridal industry. Winners Tom Weymouth and Katherine Gordon of Astoria, NY inched out fellow dashers by mere minutes to claim the grand prize and opportunity to propose live at mad46 Rooftop Lounge at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Tom and Katherine took approximately 3 hours to complete the course, using a combination of subways, cabs, and sprinting to dash past their fellow competitors. Overcome with joy and surprise, Tom dropped to one knee and said, “Kat, I’d run anywhere with you.” Ironically, this wasn’t the first time the two had participated in such an event. “Kat and I love games and one of our first dates was a race around New York where we really bonded as a couple,” said Tom. “When we saw the Diamond Dash advertised, we knew it was meant to be. When we actually won we just couldn't believe our luck!”

The couple was greeted by the Fina family, who presented them with a 1.52 carat Tacori diamond in a classic Tacori engagement ring setting. It fit Katherine’s finger perfectly. “It has always been our belief that diamonds make a difference in everyone’s lives, and I think it’s safe to say this one will always remind Tom and Katherine of their dedication to one another,” said Steven Fina, VP of Michael C. Fina.

Also in attendance was Michael Osso, Executive Director of the New York City Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which proceeds of the dash benefitted. Dashers were encouraged to donate $100.00 to the society in lieu of a registration fee. Nearly $3,000 was raised.

Event kick-off took place at 12:00 noon at Battery Park and text messaged clues led couples to various wedding-related destinations around Manhattan including Michael C. Fina, Hearst, John Allan, Tumi, Godiva Chocolatier, Ron Ben-Israel, Kleinfeld, and mad46. Pier 17, which is the start of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night Walk, was also included in the route.

All dashers were invited back to Michael C. Fina upon the event’s conclusion to enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres, a selection of Godiva chocolates, and a cake tasting compliments of Ron Ben-Israel. If dashers chose to purchase a Tacori engagement ring that night, a special offer was provided.

Michael C. Fina will continue to demonstrate that diamonds do make a difference through December 31, 2009 by donating $100 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for each engagement ring purchased. Never has there been a better time to propose.