Michael C. Fina's Second Annual 'Diamond Dash' Sends Couples Racing for a Rock & More While Raising Money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

News provided by

Sep 28, 2010, 03:50 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 300 people dashed around Manhattan on Saturday in search of a $20,000 Tacori platinum engagement ring and an all-inclusive honeymoon to Aventura Spa Palace in Riviera Maya, Mexico as part of the second annual "Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & a Cure." Michael C. Fina and Tacori, leaders in the jewelry and bridal industry, sponsored the event. Winners Julie Joseph and Chris D'Alonzo currently of Hoboken, NJ inched out fellow dashers by less than a minute to claim the grand prize and opportunity to propose live at the new Gansevoort hotel on Park Avenue.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100928/NY72839 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100928/NY72839 )

Julie and Chris navigated New York in search of well-known and lesser-known landmarks using a combination of cabs, subways, and sprinting to dash past their fellow competitors. In utter shock and overwhelmed by joy, Chris dropped to one knee and said, "Julie, will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?" She said "yes!" as tears filled their eyes.

Following the proposal, the couple couldn't wait to share the news with their mothers, especially Julie's who had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just one year ago. "Any event supporting cancer is extremely close to both of our hearts because we know how deeply affected families are by this horrible disease. Because the Dash was to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we knew we wanted to participate and support this very important cause," said Julie. "The fact that we actually won is beyond our wildest dreams! Like they say, sometimes right in the middle of ordinary life, comes a fairytale...that is how we feel!"

Event kick-off took place at 12:00 noon at Water Taxi Beach on Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport. Dashers made their way to various destinations in New York via carefully crafted clues. Upon reaching each location they were asked to take a photo of themselves in front of the designated dash signage and text in a code, triggering valuable information needed to help them solve an anagram puzzle. The five teams who visited the most spots and solved the puzzle in the least time were deemed finalists. Finalists then received a final clue from Steven Fina via a live stream. The clue led the dashers to the Gansevoort hotel where he (and the ring) were waiting. The arrival of Julie and Chris was streamed live at the after party held at Michael C. Fina so that their fellow dashers could follow the excitement.

Steven Fina happily presented them with the 1.5 carat Tacori diamond in a classic Tacori engagement ring setting containing nearly an additional carat of diamonds. Also in attendance was Michele Przypyszny, Executive Director of the New York City Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which proceeds of the dash benefitted. Nearly $25,000 was raised through dasher donations, raffle ticket sales, and partner donations. Additional dash-related fundraising events are planned.

Dash participants also won prizes from partners including Bridal Reflections (wedding dress/ veil), Ron Ben-Israel Cakes (groom's cake), Mionetto (Prosecco Brut), Once Upon a Bride (makeover), Orchestrations (entertainment), Matthew Robbins (design consultation), John Allan (gift basket), NewlyWish (experiences/ gift items) and Photomuse (photography session) by purchasing raffle tickets at the after party held at Michael C. Fina. All dashers enjoyed hors d'oeuvres by Paul Evans Caterers, Prosecco Brut from Mionetto, tea tasting from h.wood teas, and a cake tasting compliments of Ron Ben-Israel.

About Michael C. Fina

Michael C. Fina is the perfect place to turn when celebrating all life's many milestones, big or small. As New York's premier family owned and operated retail destination, we have been providing customers with quality products and exceptional service for 75 years. The flagship store, located at 545 Fifth Ave. New York, NY, offers a stunning variety of engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry, tableware, estate silver, and bath accessories.

For more information visit our website (www.michaelcfina.com), friend us on facebook (www.facebook.com/mcfina), or follow us on twitter (www.twitter.com/MichaelCFina).

About Tacori

TACORI is famous for their internationally recognized signature crescent silhouette design and for being an innovator in the design, creation and marketing of fine jewelry for over four decades. Spanning four decades, Tacori designs have fused classic elegance with modern inspiration, creating some of the world's most highly regarded jewelry and engagement rings. Handcrafted in California, the remarkably designs become the timeless symbols of connection that join individuals and generations.

Visit www.tacori.com or www.facebook.com/TACORI for more information.

SOURCE Michael C. Fina