100% of Proceeds Donated to Cancer Societies

What is a GiGi Original?

A GiGi Original is a one-of-a kind, hand crafted, stunning piece of jewelry with a purpose. Not only is a GiGi Original a piece of jewelry with meaning - it is classifiably a work of art. 

GiGi is a hip-hoppin’, be-boppin’, great grandmother with a philanthropist core. You will never find her without a warm smile, painted nails and eager eyes searching around for fashion inspiration for her next endeavor.

At 85, Betty “GiGi” Polakoff first began her jewelling deeds as a creative distraction and outlet while she helped her husband in his battle with colon/rectal cancer. She started slowly, with one to two necklaces and showcased them to her girlfriends who could never get enough.

Marvin Polakoff, GiGi's husband of 63 years, passed away in his home in January of 2005 while under the care of the wonderfully talented Hospice staff from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA. Since the death of her best friend and life partner, GiGi has chosen to fill her days with increased jewelry efforts. She reaches out to those in her commnity as a means to raise funds in honor of her late husband; a beautiful man whose life was enriched even up to his last breath as his beloved wife held him in her arms. A dear sweet man who woke up every night to tell his beloved how beautiful she was to him.

Proceeds are also in recognition of Marvin’s physician, Dr. John P. Hoffman, MD, FACS (Surgical Oncology Chief, Pancreaticobilary Service) who treated him throughout the duration of his five year struggle.

GiGi donates 100 percent of her proceeds to the Fox Chase Cancer Center so that others may benefit from the research and care provided by this outstanding facility. GiGi Originals are made with a variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones, with the cost of materials and labor never reimbursed by sales; but as a labor of love.

When you buy a GiGi Original you are purchasing a piece of hand crafted jewelry that solely benefits cancer research in hopes that fewer people have to suffer through losing a true love to cancer.

GiGi Partners with Dan Cole's Two Degrees of Difference Campaign

Dan Cole is a candidate for the 2008 Man & Woman of the Year hosted by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; a fund raising contest for blood cancer research. Because of his dedication to the cause and zest for life, GiGi has teamed with LLS Candidate Dan Cole throughout the ten week duration of this competition. From April 10 through June 3, GiGi will divide profits with Dan’s Campaign to directly benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please visit Two Degrees and help find a cure for blood cancers.