NEXT YEAR IN

Jerusalem

Tel Aviv

Craig Covey of Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, Steve Tapper, Sally Cowal
of YouthAlds/Population Services International and Howard Tapper

'Precious Lives,
Precious Metals'

Tapper's fundraising campaign yields
high return for HIV/AIDS nonprofits.

T

apper's Diamonds and Fine
Jewelry donated more than
$133,000 to two HIV/AIDS
prevention organizations during a June
26 gathering at its West Bloomfield
store. The gift comes as the culmina-
tion of a yearlong fundraising cam-
paign called "Precious Lives, Precious
Metals:'
"One of the core values that Tapper's
is built around is a strong commit-
ment to community involvement:'
said Howard Tapper, president and
owner. "It is for this reason that we
chose to celebrate our 30th anniversary
by raising money for HIV and AIDS
education and prevention programs
both here in Michigan, through the
Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, and
in South Africa through the efforts of
YouthAIDS:'
South Africa has one of the highest
HIV prevalence rates in the world, with
more than 20 percent of the population
ages 15 to 49 HIV positive. The country
also is intrinsically linked to the jewel-
ry industry, as almost 80 percent of the
world's platinum supplies are found
there, Tapper said, adding that each
year nearly 12 percent of South Africa's
platinum miners die from AIDS.
"As jewelers, we feel a responsibil-
ity to the community that works to
provide the raw materials used in
the beautiful items we sell each day,'
Tapper said. He presented YouthAIDS
with a check for $93,387.66. Midwest
AIDS Prevention Project received
$40,023.28.
MAPP develops, implements and
evaluates evidence-based programs
targeting at-risk populations in the
Metro Detroit region. These funds will
be used for youth-oriented program-
ming.
YouthAIDS is an international

HIV/AIDS prevention organization
that works under the umbrella of
Population Services International
(PSI). It also uses innovative programs
that target youth with prevention and
health messages at music, theater, pop
culture and sports events. The dona-
tion will support several of the organi-
zation's activities including the School
Debates program in Johannesburg and
60 highly visible "edutainment" events
that mainstream and popularize HIV
prevention and feature guest appear-
ances by local entertainers. Close to
4,000 youth will be exposed to these
debates and programs.
Funds were raised from customers,
family and staff members, corporate
partners and vendors. A charity gala
held at the West Bloomfield store on
World AIDS Day raised a significant
portion of the funds, and was supple-
mented by 'Give $30, Get $30:' a special
in-store program that encouraged cus-
tomers to make a $30 donation to the
campaign in return for a $30 Tapper's
gift card. In addition, $30 from the sale
of each platinum engagement ring and
wedding band went to the effort.
"The goodwill and professionalism
of the Tapper's family is exceeded only
by their generosity;' said Craig Covey,
CEO of MAPP. "We are humbled by the
extent of their support and pledge to
redouble our efforts to help bring the
scourge of AIDS to an end:'
Sally Cowal of PSI/YouthAIDS
accepted the award for her organiza-
tion.
"It is the tireless work of organiza-
tions like MAPP and YouthAIDS that
bring us that much closer to the goal
of making our world a place where
all human beings can live in health,
in safety and with dignity:' Tapper
said. ❑

Masada

The Dead Sea

Safed

Central Galilee

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
RESERVE YOUR MEMORIES TODAY

December 25, 2008 January 4, 2009

For more information, go to jewishdetroit.org/familymission

or contact Scott Kaufman (248) 642-8639,

or skaufman©jfmd.org

AIR ONLY OPTION
ADULT ONLY BUS OPTION
CALL FOR INFORMATION

In cooperation with the Michigan Board of Rabbis

ic

Jewish
Federation
of Metropolitan Detroit

1410350

iN

July 3 • 2008

A15