Donated Wedding Gowns Are Making a HUGE Difference
Simple words are very powerful. The words “I do” and “You have cancer” have something in common; they change lives forever. The Brides Project (TBP) and the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor (CSC) can help change lives too.
The Brides Project, an initiative of the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, collects donated wedding gowns from individuals and salons all over the country and resells them at discounted prices at a resale boutique in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From each dress sold, 100% of the proceeds are sent to the CSC and cover a substantial amount of the annual operating budget. Last year, The Brides Project covered over one quarter of the CSC’s annual operating budget! This project provides a sustainable source of income so that CSC continues to offer free support services to those in our community impacted by cancer during a very uncertain time in their lives. These programs include a wide range of professional programs – support groups, educational workshops, social activities, and healthy lifestyle classes such as nutrition, meditation and yoga.
After their big day, many brides are ready to pay it forward. “I felt really good knowing my dress would bring in more money for charity when I donated it back.” – TBP Bride
Every donation makes a difference. Donated wedding dresses, along with the help of dozens of amazing volunteers, are what makes this all possible.
The power of a dress
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Four dresses give a person touched by cancer professional support for a year.
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Two dresses enable a child who has a parent with cancer to find understanding and acceptance through our kids’ play therapy program.
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One dress provides a workshop that empowers our members through knowledge.
This September and October, the project is running its annual “60 in 60” campaign, with a goal of collecting 60 dresses in 60 days. Specifically, they are collecting dresses designed within the past two years, and larger sizes, to ensure their inventory continues to meet brides’ demand for on-trend, designer gowns that are body inclusive. With a tax-deductible donation, individuals can directly support those whose lives have forever been changed by cancer. Additional information about the salon and “60 in 60” is available at: www.thebridesproject.org. The Brides Project boutique is located at 1677 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor.
About the Cancer Support Community
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor is part of an international non-profit organization whose mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. With a vision that everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need at every phase of their experience, all programs are completely free of charge and offered in a comfortable, home-like environment. The Cancer Support Community offers professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and stress-reduction classes that empower and educate people touched by cancer. CSC is the only organization in Washtenaw Country devoted solely to providing this support, education, and hope to cancer patients, their friends, family and children. The center is located at 2010 Hogback Road, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. For more information visit: www.cancersupportannarbor.org or call 734-975-2500.