First Posted: 6/13/2014
The pink trucks are coming, and with them is a bevy of wedding gowns just waiting to be bought – but there is so much more to these garments than meets the eye.
Brides Against Breast Cancer’s Nationwide Tour of Gowns will come to the Best Western Pioneer Plaza in Carbondale on June 21, giving local brides the opportunity to pick through 500-600 gowns and also donate a gown of their own, all in the name of supporting those afflicted with breast cancer.
“80 cents of every dollar will support free programs for those impacted by cancer, which includes the patient, family member, caregiver,” said Katie Posivak, the show manager. “We treat the psychological needs of those going through this. We provide educational videos, seminars, group counseling, sewing classes, nutrition classes, exercise classes – anything that reduces stress and has a mind/body connection.”
5,000 donated gowns equals up to 40,000 hours of free support for such classes.
“There’s something for everyone,” Posivak said of the bridal pickings at the show. “The inventory is constantly changing.”
BABC accepts and sells all gown styles, slips, veils, and accessories dating from 2009 until the present day. Posivak said half the gowns in stock are brand new, while the other half are gently worn. They come in all shapes and styles, and at discounts anywhere from 25 to 85 percent off.
“The average price of a gown is $600,” Posivak said. Prices range from $99 to $4,000 and the sizes go from four to 18. BABC also offers layaway.
Despite what you may have seen on reality TV bridal shows, the Nationwide Tour of Gowns is certainly not a free-for-all, even with the low prices.
“There’s not a whole lot of chaos, people throwing things around,” Posivak said with a laugh. “It’s calm and well-organized. Everyone who comes has some sort of connection to the mission, so I think that’s what’s kept in mind while they’re there.”
It also helps that the showing is broken into two sections. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the VIP ticket holders are allowed in, getting first crack at the gowns. From 1 to 5 p.m., the general admission ticket holders are let in.
Those wishing to register for the show can visit bridesabc.org and click on “Upcoming Events” to find the Carbondale show. Those who wish to volunteer to help at the event may also register there.
As if the thought of purchasing or donating a gown to help those in need isn’t incentive enough, it should also be kept in mind that the Nationwide Tour of Gowns doubles as a wedding show. Many local vendors form the bridal industry, including DPNAK Weddings, Joseph A. Banks, and Triple A Travel, among many others, will be on hand to give brides options for all their wedding day needs.
