Create a Design that Makes a Difference, Enter the "Emerge from the Cocoon of Lupus Jewelry Design Contest"

    BELLMORE, NY, July 22, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Those who live with the incurable 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 and its debilitating effects every day of their lives. The Lupus Alliance of LIQ, a local 501c3 non-profit, strives to help those living with lupus successfully emerge from that cocoon by offering support, empowerment, and knowledge through the programs they offer. The LALIQ also focuses on awareness; and spreading knowledge through the programs they offer.

To help spread the cause, the Lupus Alliance of LIQ 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 September 17th, 2015. The piece will also debut at the 22nd Annual Walk-Along for Lupus at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, October 18th. The contest winner and their design will be featured on the Lupus Alliance of LIQ's website and Facebook page. 40% of the net proceeds will benefit LALIQ and the people they serve in the Nassau/Suffolk/Queens communities.

The Lupus Alliance of LIQ 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 symbol of lupus), the color purple or orange (the colors of lupus) 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 located on the Island and serves its lupus community here by providing grants, scholarships, education, advocacy, support and of course research.

Anyone with a passion for design and/or a passion for spreading awareness about Lupus is eligible to participate! To submit your design, visit www.LupusLIQueens.org/ambalucontest and download the design entry form. All submissions must be received by August 7, 2015. You can e-mail your design to: [email protected] or mail them 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, empower yourself with the idea that your design could help someone emerge from the cocoon of lupus and enter today!

"Improving the lives of those living with lupus through awareness, education, support services and research"

The Lupus Alliance of Long Island/Queens was started out of the kitchens of dedicated volunteers and has been helping those with lupus and their families since 1955. Located in Bellmore, New York, our goal is simple; to serve, educate and find the cause and cure for lupus, while helping those with lupus live better lives while they wait for that cure.

# # #