Bargain hunting brides-to-be might check out the Brides Project Wedding Boutique, a cause disguised as a store around the corner from Downtown Home & Garden on Liberty. Opened in September, the by-appointment-only shop is run by volunteers to help cancer patients and their families: the gowns are donated, and all proceeds go to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
Project founder Monique Sluymers, whose father has advanced lung cancer, was inspired by a TV show about a similar shop in Ontario. So far, they’ve sold seven “pre-loved” dresses for a total of $1,500–more than they anticipated for the first month, says volunteer Barb Hiltz. Prices run from $300 to $1,250; more expensive gowns will be sold at auction on weddingbee.com or, in the future, on the Project’s own website, thebridesproject.org.
So far, about 180 dresses have been donated–including some from women who sent personal letters thanking the prospective buyer, and sharing their own struggles with cancer.
