The Brides Against Breast Cancer organization will be having a bridal show and charity wedding gown sale at the Colonel’s Quarters on Saturday to raise money for cancer awareness. They are currently looking for student volunteers to help with the effort.
For bridal show manager, Katie Posivak, when one person is diagnosed with cancer, the whole community is affected. She knows the feeling of cradling a loved one’s hand for support and admiring his or her strength as he or she goes through sessions of chemotherapy.
After witnessing the death of both an aunt and uncle, she decided to use her experiences in a brand- new platform.
Brides Against Breast Cancer is an organization whose proceeds from bridal shows contribute to programs that provide education, information and outreach to cancer patients and their families. Its 2013 Nationwide Tour of Gowns show will be visiting more than 100 cities this year to sell brand-new and gently used gowns.
The show will be stopping in Oxford on Saturday at the Colonel’s Quarters at Castle Hill, and the company is looking for 30 to 40 student volunteers to help with the effort.
Posivak said that the event is a good way for students and Oxford residents to participate in the fight against breast cancer.
“Oxford has a lot of young individuals in the area who we think can benefit from our charity wedding gown sale, and we will be bringing these educational materials to them,” she said.
“There are so many people who have been impacted by cancer in some way, and we want to raise awareness to as many people as possible.”
The dress prices range from $99 to $3,500, and donations will be accepted during the show or online at bridesabc.org.
Posivak said she believes the show gives former brides an opportunity to make a difference in their community.
“Wedding dresses typically sit in the back of your closet or in the attic somewhere collecting dust. Why not consider donating it and have some of the proceeds go towards something meaningful?” she said.
Volunteers will be able to assist with setting up and breaking down after the event.
They can also work as personal shoppers, dressing room assistants, greeters and registration assistants. Shifts are available Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Proof of community service will also be available upon request.
Katherine Bailey, event coordinator at the Colonel’s Quarters, is excited to create more awareness in Oxford while making a bride’s special day just right.
“It really focuses on the woman and the joys of womanhood and focuses on the bride and making her and her dress decision feel special,” she said.
“They have been wonderful to work with and are so appreciative of the opportunity to spread the word and the support to the Oxford community,” Bailey said.
Early VIP access into the event lasts from 10 a.m. until noon.
Free general admission starts at noon and lasts until 6 p.m. Volunteers can visit www.babcvolunteeroxfordms2013.eventbrite.com to register and help provide hope one dress at a time.
