Baxter’s Fine Jewelry Introduces Three New ‘Starfish’ Pieces to Benefit Gloria Gemma Foundation

PROVIDENCE, RI – (October 4, 2012) October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Warwick-based Baxter’s Fine Jewelry has introduced three limited edition products designed to raise awareness and support the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. The pieces—two pins and one necklace—were inspired by the Foundation’s Starfish Project, the largest healing arts program the Foundation has ever undertaken.

This year, aboard the Foundation’s Hope Bus and at events held at the Providence Place Mall, Rhode Islanders have participated in the Starfish Project by kneading and shaping lumps of clay into unique handmade starfish, to be kiln-fired and included next year in a public art installation.

The inspiration for the Starfish Project grew out of “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley.

“A young boy is walking on the beach upon which thousands of starfish have washed up during a terrible storm” according to an adaptation of the story. “He picks them up one at a time and throws them back into the ocean, rescuing them from certain peril.”

The story continues: “A man approaches the boy and says, ‘There are so many beaches and so many starfish dying. Do you really think what you’re doing is making a difference?’”

The story concludes: “The boy bends down, picks up a starfish, throws it into the ocean and turns to the man and says, ‘I made a difference for that one.’”

Now, Baxter’s Fine Jewelry is getting into the spirit of the story and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating one third of proceeds from the starfish pieces to the Pawtucket-based Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. The large pin and pendant are approximately one inch in size. The items are reasonably priced at $10, $15, and $20 (for the small pin, the large pin, and the necklace respectively).

“We are extremely pleased with the way these starfish pieces turned out,” said Foundation Executive Director Maria Gemma. “Baxter’s Fine Jewelry has perfectly captured the theme of our largest-ever healing arts project and our focus on helping one person at a time.”

All three pieces are currently available at Baxter’s Fine Jewelry, 200 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. Additionally, the items will be for sale at Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™ this Saturday, October 6, beginning at noon in the product vendor tent. For more information, please visit www.baxtersjewelry.com.

For information on how to run or walk in the Gloria Gemma 5K or Kids 1K, or contribute to the ongoing fundraising efforts of family members, friends, or coworkers, please visit gloriagemma5k.org. To participate in or support the Illuminations of Life Ceremony, please visit torch.gloriagemma.org. To volunteer, please visit volunteer.gloriagemma.org. To become an event sponsor or vendor, please email info@gloriagemma.org.

Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™ was created in 2006 to promote breast cancer awareness and education and to honor people living with breast cancer during three inspirational days of education, support, and hope. Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™ takes place every year during Columbus Day weekend in downtown Providence. For more information, please visit www.flamesofhoperi.com.

The Gloria Gemma Foundation was established in 2004 in loving memory of Gloria J. Gemma and to honor her courageous fight against breast cancer. The organization’s mission is to raise breast cancer awareness; increase breast health education; enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients, as well as their families and friends; and generate funding for local breast health programs. For more information, please call 401-861-HERO (4376) or visit www.gloriagemma.org.

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