SARASOTA, FL (January 9, 2012)
Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast (CSC) today announced the acquisition of Brides Against Breast Cancer™, a national nonprofit organization. Formerly based in Portland, Oregon, Brides Against Breast Cancer will now be managed by CSC as a support organization.
“We are pleased to ‘tie the knot’ with Brides Against Breast Cancer, whose mission complements our wide-ranging cancer support services and programs,” said Carl Ritter, CEO, Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast. “Our team is excited to grow both organizations.”
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation assisted CSC with the project’s start-up funding. “At Gulf Coast, we look to strengthen nonprofits in our region so they can better meet their missions,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “We are pleased to help the Cancer Support Community make this revenue-generating opportunity possible. It’s a proactive plan that will result in more vital services for our community.”
Known nationwide for its Nationwide Tour of Gowns bridal shows, Brides Against Breast Cancer will contribute to free programs and services offering support, education and hope to cancer patients and their families, according to Amy Paulishak, vice president, business development. “Our outreach and educational efforts around the country help ensure that people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge and strengthened by action,” she said.
Brides Against Breast Cancer is leasing a 3,500-square-foot space at 6279 Lake Osprey Drive in Lakewood Ranch and will have an administrative staff of four full-time employees. In addition to its offices, Brides Against Breast Cancer will operate a bridal retail store and bridal dress preparation center.
Wedding gown sales are an important fundraising program for Brides Against Breast Cancer. “Our organization makes it possible for future brides around the country to purchase designer wedding gowns at dramatic savings,” said Paulishak. “Most gown prices range from $99 to $799, including hundreds of beautiful new name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000.”
Paulishak added that the worldwide support of designers, manufacturers, bridal shops – and women who donate one of their most treasured possessions – support the organization’s Nationwide Tour of Gowns sales. The proceeds from these events go directly to the services providing support, education and hope for those impacted by cancer.
“Here in Sarasota, we are already receiving dozens of donated boxes filled with satin, beaded, tulle, and organza gowns in every shape and size,” she said. “New gowns are arriving daily at Cancer Support Community, and we welcome every donation.” Gown donations are tax deductible.
Through its Nationwide Tour of Gowns, Brides Against Breast Cancer holds more than 40 shows a year, with an average offering of 1,000 or more new or gently worn and designer dresses. The next show will be held in Portland, Oregon, at the Doubletree Hotel, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, Friday, January 20 (10am – 8pm), Saturday, January 21 (10am – 8pm) and Sunday, January 22 (10 – 5pm). Admission to the shows is free, although a VIP admission ($20.00) gives attendees a sneak peak at the gowns during “Power Hour” and ability to buy first. A seamstress is available on site for consultation.
“Exclusive designer and couture gowns are frequently available at great savings in our shows and locally as well,” Paulishak said, noting that a large number of the gowns presented at each event are brand new designer gowns donated by designers, manufacturers and bridal retailers.
To date, the Brides Against Breast Cancer™ program has received more than 50,000 wedding gown donations, with an estimated resale value of more than $4 million. This generous endowment is due in part to national media coverage, including magazine articles in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Martha Stewart’s Winter Wedding, Time, Philanthropy World and Modern Bride, along with appearances on Oprah Winfrey, CNN, MSNBC and hundreds of television and newspaper interviews.
Through professionally led support groups, informational workshops and mind/body classes, Cancer Support Community helps people affected by cancer learn vital skills to improve the quality of their lives and make them better partners with their medical professionals. Since 1996, more than 14,000 individuals have made more than 60,000 visits to the center in Sarasota and at satellite locations throughout the area.
For more information: www.cancersupportsuncoast.org or www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org
