Guns-to-Bling Buyback Event Turns Unwanted Firearms Into Jewelry: ICYMI

DETROIT, MI – A no-questions-asked gun buyback program sponsored by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has a brilliant twist: Serial numbers from guns acquired during the Saturday, June 11, event will be used in a jewelry collection that raises money for more buyback event

Sheriff Benny Napoleon is teaming in the event with Judge Gregory Ellis “Greg” Mathis, a retired Michigan 36th District Court judge who is an arbiter on the long-running syndicated television show, “Judge Mathis.”

People turning in guns will receive a $50 gift card for each gun surrendered in the “Cash For Caliber” event that aims to decrease gun violence and loss of innocent lives. Saturday’s event takes place at the Mathis Community Center, 19300 Greenfield Road, Detroit. The buyback begins at 10 a.m. and will last until the gift card supply has been depleted.

• NEWSLETTER & REAL-TIME NEWS ALERTS: Get the Top Michigan Headlines from Patch Editor Beth Dalbey

Any type of unloaded weapon may be surrendered with no questions asked.

“Gun buyback programs are effective because it allows people to get rid of weapons in their homes they don’t want around,” Napoleon said in a statement. “Too many of our babies and loved ones are falling victim to gun violence. This allows us to work together to get guns off the streets which will save lives.”

The serial numbers in the guns collected in Detroit will be used in jewelry pieces created by Jessica Mindich, CEO and president of the Caliber Collection.

The Greenwich, CT, jewelry designer began creating the jewelry as a fundraising tool in 2008 when charities were having difficulty raising money during a slow economy.

“The economy had hit tough times and I saw that the traditional asks for just straight out donations were tougher,” Mindich told TIME three years ago. “There were a lot of articles at the time that charities were struggling and I thought that this was an innovative fundraising tool, something new and different that people could wear as a symbol of pride, to represent a cause that they were supporting, that also could be fashionable and affordable.”

"Everybody can play a role in helping reduce gun violence, whether it’s participating in a buyback program, designing jewelry made from gun metal or talking to your friends about the devastating impact illicit guns have in our communities,” Mindich said in a statement.

Mindich also created The Caliber Foundation, which offers support to victims, families and communities affected by gun violence.

Among those supporting the foundation with grants are the Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant, Library Street Collective, Wylie E. Groves H.S., Ilitch Holdings, Inc and Rock Ventures.

Mindich also founded the “Raise The Caliber Initiative,” a national advocacy campaign to end illegal gun violence. Proceeds from Raise The Caliber partnerships are donated to the Caliber Foundation.

Image: Shutterstock