Couples Dash Around Manhattan in Search of a Diamond & More While Raising Money for...

Couples Dash Around Manhattan in Search of a Diamond & More While Raising
Money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

NEW YORK, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of couples dashed around Manhattan
on Saturday 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
benefited. 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.

About Michael C. Fina
Michael C. Fina is the perfect place to turn when celebrating life's many
milestones, big or small. It is our family's mission since 1935 to
continuously bring you inspirational pieces that both excite and sooth, make a
statement and withstand the test of time--to be loved today and treasured
tomorrow.

Outfit your home with a special piece hand-crafted by established artisans.
Toast to the start of something beautiful with our registry. Discover the ring
that is worthy of becoming her own. Enjoy a divine dining experience amongst
friends. Tell your story with a custom piece of jewelry. Welcome a new
arrival. No matter what the milestone, let us help you celebrate it and
distinguish it with beauty, joy and love.

Visit www.michaelcfina.com for more information.

About Tacori
Spanning four decades, Tacori designs have fused classic elegance with modern
inspiration, creating some of the world's most highly regarded and exquisite
jewelry. The stunning beauty and intricacy of each piece of Tacori jewelry is
the result of an uncompromising passion for artisanship. Handcrafted in
California, these remarkably detailed rings and fine jewelry pieces become the
timeless symbols of connection that join individuals and generations.

Visit www.tacori.com for more information.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (R) (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary
health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of
patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research
around the world and provides free information and support services.

Visit www.lls.org for more information

SOURCE Michael C. Fina

Teegan Conti +1-212-557-2500 x2313, tconti@mcfina.com