Those who live with the chronic autoimmune disease of lupus have long seen the butterfly as its unofficial symbol. The metaphor of striving to break free from the cocoon that encompasses you and emerging anew is close to the hearts of those living with lupus, with its debilitating effects piercing every day of their lives. The Lupus Alliance of Long Island/Queens (LALIQ), a local nonprofit, strives to help those living with lupus successfully emerge from that cocoon by offering support, empowerment and knowledge through the programs they offer. LALIQ also focuses on spreading awareness of the disease.
In furtherance of this effort, LALIQ is looking for creative people to design a piece of fine jewelry. The winning designer will work with Esther Ambalu, owner of Ambalu Jewelers in East Hills, to create a limited-edition necklace which will be unveiled at a cocktail reception hosted by Ambalu Jewelry on Sept. 17. The piece will also debut at the 22nd Annual Walk-Along for Lupus at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, Oct. 18. The contest winner and their design will be featured on LALIQ’s website and Facebook page. Forty percent of the net proceeds will benefit LALIQ and the people they serve in the Nassau,Suffolk and Queens communities.
LALIQ is looking for a design that embodies the spirit of their mission—improving the lives of those living with lupus through awareness, education, support services and research. When creating your design try to incorporate butterflies, the colors purple or orange, which represent lupus awareness, and the LALIQ’s support group theme, “Emerge from the Cocoon of Lupus.”
Executive Director Patricia D’Accolti stated, “It is an honor to be working with Ambalu Jewelers on this campaign, knowing they share the same sentiment as the LALIQ, of giving back to and serving our own community right here on Long Island.” LALIQ is the only organization of its kind located on the island and it serves the lupus community here by providing grants, scholarships, education, advocacy, support and, of course, research.
Anyone with a passion for design or a passion for spreading awareness about lupus is encouraged to participate. To submit a design, download the design entry form from www.lupusliqueens.org/ambalucontest.
All submissions must be received by Aug. 7, 2015. Email your design to nquijano@lupusliqueens.org or mail it to: The Lupus Alliance of LIQ, Attn: Lupus Design Contest, 2255 Centre Ave., Bellmore, NY 11710. Be sure to include the signed design contest application or you will not be eligible to participate. The winner will receive a complimentary piece of their own creation from Ambalu Jewelers.
Let your creative juices flow.
