By January 2009, Fox knew that a lot of people wouldn’t be able to buy Valentine’s gifts. So Fox Fine Jewelry gave away 400 necklaces to the unemployed. Overwhelmed by the initial response and media attention, Fox assembled a network of 150 jewelers in the U.S. and Canada to do the same thing, each pledging to give away 100 silver necklaces.
This month, Fox Fine Jewelry continued its tradition, offering 300 pearl necklaces that were given free to anyone in need, or sold for the reduced price of $20, from Feb. 8 through Valentine’s Day. Many people who needed a Valentine’s gift would have been reluctant to take it for free, she had discovered, but were pleased to get a quality gift for an affordable price.
“While the economy is picking up for some, others struggle daily,” Fox says. No proof or documents were required to receive a free or reduced price necklace. Recipients came into Fox Fine Jewelry to pick up their necklace, one per person. Fox’s generosity has established a new level of trust with customers and the community in general. Some first-time customers showed up just to support her business; those who were struggling pledged to return to shop when they were better off.
But rewards have gone far beyond potential business success, Fox says. “We came to value and understand giving as its own reward,” she says. “In the past I don’t think I’ve been a particularly giving person and now I feel compelled to take this forward. It’s been a wonderful thing to give and to inspire others to give.”
See more about Fox's outreach programs at www.sharering.org.
