Brides Against Breast Cancer Kicks Off 2012 Nationwide Tour of Gowns in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brides Against Breast Cancer™, a national nonprofit organization now based in Florida, is kicking off its 2012 Nationwide Tour of Gowns later this month in Portland.

"Under our new leadership, we're looking forward to helping Portland's brides find just the right dress, while raising funds to provide free educational and support services to breast cancer patients," said Amy Paulishak, vice president, business development.

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 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.

Last month, Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast (CSC) in Sarasota, Florida acquired Brides Against Breast Cancer™, which was formerly based in Portland. It is now being managed by CSC as a support organization.

"We were 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 looking forward to growing both organizations so that we can expand our free programs and services offering support, education and hope to cancer patients and their families." The Gulf Coast Community Foundation assisted CSC with the project's start-up funding.   

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. More than 70 percent of the proceeds from these events go directly to the services providing support, education and hope for those impacted by cancer.

Following the Portland event, the Nationwide Tour of Gowns will continue in Minneapolis (March 10-11), Philadelphia (March 31-April 1) and Atlanta (April 13-15).

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, Modern Bride 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

SOURCE Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast