Sourcing

Chaka Khan to headline DEF’s Las Vegas event

SourcingMay 14, 2014

Chaka Khan to headline DEF’s Las Vegas event

The Diamond Empowerment Fund announced this week that Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan will perform at its “Diamonds in the Sky” gala event on May 29 in Las Vegas. 

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Ten-time Grammy award winner Chaka Khan

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund announced this week that Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan will perform at its “Diamonds in the Sky” gala event on May 29 in Las Vegas.

Khan has released 22 albums and had ten No. 1 songs on Billboard’s charts, with hits including “Tell Me Something Good” and “I’m Every Woman.” She can sing in a wide range of genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock and gospel.

Khan also understands “the importance of doing good while doing well,” DEF said, with her own philanthropic endeavors. In 1999, she established the Chaka Khan Foundation, which focuses on programs and initiatives that assist women and children at risk.

“We couldn’t be more honored to have such a musical legend perform at this important event that recognizes the importance of giving back,” said Phyllis Bergman, president of DEF’s board of directors.

The black tie-optional event, which is now sold out, will take place in the Four Seasons Ballroom on May 29 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

DEF will present its 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award that night to Botswana’s President Ian Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana in recognition of their global leadership and contributions to democracy.

RELATED CONTENT: DEF to honor Botswana president at Las Vegas event

Premier presenting sponsors of the event include Rio Tinto, Signet Jewelers Ltd. and De Beers. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group is also a Partner Sponsor, and KGK Group, Le Vian Corp., and Tiffany & Co. are Patron Sponsors.

DEF was co-founded in 2007 by music mogul Russell Simmons and a number of diamond industry leaders to fund programs that provide African youth with higher education opportunities, including leadership development and entrepreneurial skills building.

Its beneficiary organizations are CIDA City Campus, African Leadership Academy and the Botswana Top Achievers program. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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