AWGS joins Dresses that Heal effort
When the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists recently added itself to the ranks of supporters for Dresses That Heal, it
seemed like a perfect marriage.
After all, the association specializes in caring for wedding gowns, both old and
new, which are easily one of the most important mementos in any woman
’s life.
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Of those, over 40,000 will likely die. ACS also notes that one in eight women
either has or will develop breast cancer throughout her lifetime.
Battling breast cancer is certainly an admirable cause, and Dresses That Heal,
Inc. is an organization which has devoted itself to raising funds to provide
support and healing for women living with the affliction.
The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists has agreed to chip in by promising a
donation to Dresses That Heal each time a bride purchases
— from one of its members — a MuseumCare gown preservation in the Compass Collection.
The association was among the first to contribute to the collection.
Other donors include some of the world’s most popular wedding gown designers: Judd Waddell, Marisa, Amy Michelson,
Paloma Blanca, Matthew Christopher, Carmela Sutera, Henry Roth and the Dessy
Group.
Rachel Rivard, founder of Dresses That Heal, was excited by the new partnership,
and philosophical of its impact.
“In effect, bridal gowns and wedding services from the collection will symbolize
not only a bride
’s commitment to her wedding vows, but also the bridal industry’s commitment to providing hope and healing for women battling with this terrible
disease,
” she said.
Marty Wade, president of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, is proud
that the group is a participant in the program.
“Dresses That Heal is a unique, cutting edge fundraiser that allows brides,
designers, and wedding professionals across the country to honor the strength
and journey of breast cancer survivors across the country
— truly combining fashion with compassion,” he said.
“Combining Fashion With Compassion” is actually the slogan for Dresses That Heal. Rivard came up with it at the
same time she got the idea to start the organization. Both occurred shortly
after she planned the wedding for a young breast cancer survivor.
Once Rivard found “Laura” her perfect wedding dress, the bride-to-be broke down into tears. She had been
unsure for quite some time if she
’d ever live to see her wedding day.
Fortunately, her cancer went into remission, and, subsequently, her story
inspired Rivard to start a new mission.
“The experience forever changed my life and the way I look at wedding gowns,” Rivard said. “I was driven to combine two things that I love in order to make a difference — fashion, and the ability to find the perfect gown for each bride, with
compassion, and the desire to help so many people in need during their journey
to healing. Our hope is to always remain true to this combination.
”
Wade believes that the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists — whose members are represented in more than 500 cities around the world — will do its part in spreading the two-fold message.
“If a bride wants to be certain a percentage of the charge for the preservation
of her wedding gown contributes to this fund, she can go to our website,
www.weddinggownspecialists.com, and download a certificate with the charity
’s logo and information,” he said.
The affiliation is not the only reason to seek an association member for gown
cleaning and preservation.
“Our members clean gowns with great care according to procedures established for
the care of luxury garments, use the finest acid-free, archival-quality wedding
chests available, and offer the most comprehensive guarantee in the industry,
” Wade added.
“As a result, we are recommended by more than 70 specialty gown manufacturers,
and we are designated the cleaners of choice by The Bridal Armoire Company. Our
preservations are also endorsed by the Association of Bridal Consultants, the
organization dedicated to wedding professionals worldwide.
”
The association is a worldwide organization, as well, with members in the United
States, Canada, Australia and South America. Each member honors the guarantee
of every other member, which includes taking the gown out of the container and
pressing it at no charge when the gown is to be worn again.
Information about training and membership with the association can be obtained
by calling (800) 501-5005.
For more information on Dresses That Heal, visit the organization’s site at www.dressesthatheal.org.
