Brides against Breast Cancer

Calendar of Events

NATIONWIDE TOUR OF GOWNS

“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE”

“Brides Against Breast Cancer” continues to be the Making Memories Foundation’s number one fund-raising event across the nation. Over 32 shows every year enable brides-to-be to find the gown of their dreams (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

This popular “nationwide tour of gowns” is made possible by women around the world as they continue to donate one of their most treasured and prized possessions, their wedding gown, to simply make a difference in someone’s life. Bridal shops and manufactures also donate hundreds of beautiful new, designer gowns every month.

More about the “Nationwide Tour of Gowns”

According to Fran Hansen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Making Memories, “Thanks to incredible nationwide media coverage, including appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, Ananda Lewis and over 100 television interviews, the organization has received nearly 12,000 gown donations with an estimated resale value of over 3 million dollars. In addition, over 200 newspaper and magazine articles have shared the Making Memories story, including mention in Redbook Magazine, Family Circle, Martha Stewart’s Winter Wedding Magazine and Newsweek. Best selling author, Geralyn Dawson also wrote a women’s friendship novel portraying the foundation. Her book, “The Pink Magnolia Club” can be found on bookshelves or may be purchased directly from Making Memories Foundation.” www.geralyndawson.com

Prices for the gowns range from $49 to $599, including hundreds of beautiful, new, name brand and designer gowns valued up to $4,000. “This is a very unique opportunity for brides-to-be to find one-of-a-kind gowns at fabulous prices and help grant a wish for a woman or man with terminal breast cancer.” Wedding gowns that originally sold between $4,000 and $10,000 can be purchased from $399 to $999. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express as payment for gowns.

REMEMBER – over ½ of the gowns available during each event are new designer gowns that have come directly from bridal shops and manufactures. We have sizes 4 to 44 in a wide range of styles and fabrics. Slips, veils, shoes and other accessories are available in some cities.

How To Donate Your Gown

You can make dreams come true! The gift of your wedding gown helps Making Memories fulfill wishes for terminal breast cancer patients and makes a new bride's special day even more meaningful. Donations may be made during any “Brides Against Breast Cancer” event or sent directly to: Making Memories Foundation, 12708 SE Stephens Street, Portland, OR 97233. Donations from bridal shops or manufactures wishing to make a donation when we are in your area may send an email to fran@makingmemories.org or call (503) 252-3955.

Be sure when sending your gown to Making Memories to please include a return address inside the package to ensure you receive a donation receipt. If possible, an additional $6 donation will help with the cost of preparing your dress for sale and will be greatly appreciated.

We also accept complete sets of bridesmaid dresses, veils, slips, shoes, mother’s dresses and flower girl gowns. Other items specific to weddings, including jewelry, books, ring pillows, wedding purses, etcetera are gladly received.

Tax Deductions

Your gift is 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE, including your shipping costs. Making Memories will send you a donation receipt for your gown three to six weeks after it has been received. Making Memories Foundation does not place the value on your donation. We ask that you consult your tax professional to determine the ultimate value of your donation to our foundation.

Please note: If you have made a donation of less than $250, you do not need a receipt in order to take the donation as a deduction on your federal income tax return. If you have made a donation of $250 or more, you will need to retain the receipt sent to you in order to take the donation as a deduction on your federal income tax return.

Volunteer at an Upcoming Event

Volunteers are the backbone of the Making Memories Foundation and we could not accomplish our mission without you. Invite your office group, club, family and friends to attend with you. It is great fun and you will meet the nicest people! In many cities, Avon, Mary Kay, or other makeup consultants, bridal consultants, and seamstresses attend to help brides choose the gown of their dreams. Tee-shirts are provided for each volunteer. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! If you would like to volunteer during an event in a city near you, please send an email to fran@makingmemories.org with “Volunteer YOUR CITY” in the subject title.

Bring the Tour to Your Town
We are searching for donated space to hold “Brides Against Breast Cancer” charity wedding gown sales in cities across the nation. If you or someone you know has between 4,000 – 6,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space available to host our event, please contact fran@makingmemories.org<