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For release May 25, 2010

Goodwill's Wedding Gown Galas Set for June 4 and 5

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast invites brides-to-be to its early morning Wedding Galas in Oldsmar and Wesley Chapel, helping brides trim their wedding budgets in a very difficult economy. Proceeds from the events will benefit Goodwill-Suncoast’s training programs for people who have developmental disabilities.

Doors will open at 6 a.m. on Friday, June 4 at the Goodwill Superstore in Oldsmar, 3929 Tampa Rd., and again on Saturday, June 5 at 6 a.m. at the new Goodwill Superstore in Wesley Chapel, S.R. 56 and Willow Oak Dr., just east of I-75.

The 350 new gowns, worth $500 to $1,250, will carry Goodwill price tags ranging from $90 to $300. Dresses were donated to Goodwill by generous Bay Area bridal shops: A. Roseman Bridal Party in Largo; Athena’s Bridal Boutique in Clearwater; CC’s Boutique in St. Petersburg; Diana’s Bridal in Tampa; Formal Source in Tampa; Olga’s Bridal & Boutique in Tampa; and Stella’s Bridal & Formal Wear, Tampa.

Many of the gowns feature elaborate beadwork and trains, and carry well-known formalwear brand names and designer labels, including Demetrios, Justin Alexander, Private Label by G, and La Sposa.

The dresses, offered in a wide range of sizes, will be split between the two stores so that shoppers who attend both events will have a completely different selection of gowns to choose from on the second day.

In addition to wedding gowns, shoppers will also find bridesmaid dresses, bridal shoes, brand new wedding accessories, attendant gifts and jewelry. Goodwill Wedding Gala festivities include themed refreshments donated by Publix Super Markets as well as music and prize drawings at both stores.

This is the fourth year Goodwill-Suncoast has held the exciting Wedding Galas. This boost to the agency’s summer retail sales will help offset losses in its programs for people with disabilities. Goodwill-Suncoast’s retail stores provide more than half of the agency’s operating budget and help support its many human service programs.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast was founded in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1954, and is one of the largest and most effective Goodwill organizations in the world. Its mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. The organization's successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties, including employment and training services, training centers for people with disabilities, affordable apartment communities, and community corrections programs. Goodwill is consistently ranked among the nonprofits most deserving of support based on the high percentage of revenue funneled to its programs.  For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.