Brides Against Breast Cancer

While I don't regret buying my wedding dress, the investment in a one-time purchase has always sort of troubled me. I wore it with glee (and hopefully a little grace) for a total of 9 hours on May 19th, 2007. The cost per minute is sort of staggering. I thought about reselling it, and there are some great options out there, but collecting 10 cents on the dollar didn't seem worth it. It has been professionally cleaned and is currently sitting in a sealed bag, in a box, in my parents' house.


I recently discovered an organization based in Milwaukee, Oregon that accepts bridal gowns for donation (you decided on the value of the donation for tax purposes) and then resells them to other brides (at a great discount from their original value, but at a 100% profit to the organization). The proceeds are then used to support those who have been afflicted with breast cancer. In their words, 


"It is our intention to “make a difference” in the lives of those suffering from this devastating disease. Our wish-granting service helps put the realities of this terminal illness aside, if just for a few days, while providing the opportunity for a family to spend quality time together. Our hope is that every metastatic breast cancer patient will be able to pass from this world comforted with the joy of having left his or her family a final beautiful memory—something the family will look back on and remember for a lifetime."


So, should you have a dress that is doing nothing but collecting dust in your parents' attic, or should you be a bride who is looking to stretch her dollar (and make a difference), I strongly encourage you to check out this organization. The process is simple, easy, and highly effective. 


http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/index.html