Though we don’t often think of weddings as being altruistic occasions, a Florida-based organization called Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC) is attempting to marry (sorry!) wedding gown shopping with the concept of helping others by selling perfectly-preserved, once-worn dresses at drastically discounted prices! Now, during the BABC “Nationwide Tour of Gowns,” proceeds from the sale of hundreds of second-hand gowns – along with each event’s ticket sales, donations, and funds raised at non-bridal networking events – goes toward giving cancer patients and their families the resources and information they need to fight back against breast cancer.
The “resources” come primarily in the form of free, professionally-produced online programs available to anyone with an internet connection. Through its affiliation with the Health Support Network, Brides Against Breast Cancer creates entertaining, informative, and science-based programs on cancer-related topics like exercise, nutrition, meditation, education, and caregiver support. BABC will also give out over 10,000 breast “self-exam” cards this year to help teach women the proper way to check for lumps or abnormalities.
Ways To Help Brides Against Breast Cancer
Attend An Event!
In Southern California, the next Brides Against Breast Cancer event will take place on Sunday, May 31st, at the Hilton Hotel in Anaheim. Admission is FREE ($20 if you want to attend the exclusive VIP event!), and every attendee will receive a free picture certificate from Symbolize It! For budget-hungry brides-to-be, gowns will be priced from $75 to $1,800, though the average dress price is around $600. Swag-Bags will also be given to the first 75 attendees, and other exciting giveaways and contests will occur throughout the afternoon. (If you happen to live outside of SoCal, a full list of Brides Against Breast Cancer Events can be found here.)
Donate Your Dress
Though some funds come from other events, wedding dress sales are a crucial part of fundraising for Brides Against Breast Cancer. Through thousands of generous donations from designers, manufacturers, bridal shops, and individuals, Brides Against Breast Cancer is able to develop and create life-saving programs and provide aid to the families impacted by cancer. Currently, Brides Against Breast Cancer is in need of all gown styles, slips, and veils dating from 2009 onward; if you are interested in donating your gown, you can either drop it off at one of BABC’s upcoming events, or mail it to the Brides Against Breast Cancer National Headquarters in Sarasota, FL.* Here is the address:
Gown Donations
Brides Against Breast Cancer
6279 Lake Osprey Drive Sarasota, FL 34240
*Brides Against Breast Cancer also asks for a $100 donation to cover the cost of cleaning and gown prep, if possible. Email any questions to moreinfoplease@bridesabc.org.
Volunteer!
Without dedicated volunteers, BABC would be unable to reach and help the millions of women and family members affected by breast cancer. Have fun, make friends, and contribute to a worthy cause through one of these life-changing volunteer opportunities:
- Volunteer at your local “National Tour of Gowns” shows!
- Join the BABC Street Team and build awareness of and support for fundraising events in your community
- If you happen to live in Sarasota, FL., you can help out at the Brides Against Breast Cancer Boutique
- Become a BABC City Coordinator and help organize future Brides Against Breast Cancer Events
- Sign up to be a Volunteer Coordinator and recruit others to further BABC’s cancer-fighting cause
