Last Chance!

TODAY, MARCH 14th

is the LAST day to purchase your Wedding Gown

from the Brides Against Breast Cancer National Tour of Gowns Sale!!!

Rush down to the UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center before 6:00pm

to make your dollars a signicant donation towards

the Making Memories Foundation- Granting Wishes, Touching Lives!

PS- VIP Night was a Wonderful experience for everyone- a million thanks to all the Volunteers and Brides for your support of BABC Orlando!! Hope to have some pictures to post for everyone soon!

Have a great weekend ;)

Happiness and Success,

Cherise Phillips

Attention Brides: VIP Night = March 12th, 2009

Attention Brides!!!

VIP Night for the BABC Gown Sale

is this Thursday, March 12th

at the UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center

6pm-9:30pm

PRE-REGISTER FOR THE EVENT BY CLICKING HERE

Get First Pick Of The Gowns!


On Friday, March 13th, brides will descend upon Fairwinds Alumni Center on the campus of University of Central Florida to find the gown of their dreams but you have the opportunity to get your gown first! A limited number of brides can purchase tickets for an exclusive early sneak preview sale of the wedding gowns on Thursday evening, March 12th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.


We will also be showcasing selected Orlando area wedding professionals at this event, not only can you find the gown of your dreams but some great wedding vendors too!


Bride’s ticket price includes early entry fee, tea room style fashion show, light buffet dinner, complimentary champagne and wine tasting and bridal goodie bags. In addition each bride will be treated to a one-one gown session with an Orlando area Bridal Consultant. Guest’s ticket price includes light buffet dinner along with champagne and wine tasting. (TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE)

BRIDES cannot enter as guests. Each BRIDE trying on wedding gowns MUST register separately.

And, finally, why we do this in the first place. If you know someone who is battling terminal breast cancer, nominate them for a "wish" by contacting www.makingmemories.org.

And The Winner Is..... !!!!

BRITTANY SCHOENTHALER!!

Congrats to Brittany

the Winner of the BABC raffle ticket drawing for a

FREE Wedding Gown!

Brittany and her fiance Anthony Rodgers are set to be wed December 2009 here in Central Florida.

Our team is very excited to meet her and congratulate her in person next Thursday,

March 12th at the VIP Party.

Interested in a sneak peak at the Gowns before doors open on Friday??

You won't want to miss VIP Night!

More fabulous details to come...

BABC on Fox News!

Val has done an unbelievable job of putting together a Gown Drive to collect donated Gowns this year- check out the spot from Fox News on BABC Orlando and our Gown Drive! There's still a great day left to donate your wedding gown! We'll be on site at

Room Service Rentals in Orlando tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.

Come check us out and don't forget- there is a drawing to be entered for a fabulous Grand Prize!!!

BABC on Fox News

BABC on The Daily Buzz!!!

BABC gets a spot on The Daily Buzz

Tuesday, February 17th

7:20 and 8:20 AM!!!

Tune in to check it out and let us know your thoughts.

We're hoping to have a video segment available shortly to post for everyone. Stay tuned... :)

More info on The Daily Buzz.

Another Bridal Show!

BABC Orlando will be setting up a booth this coming Sunday- February 15th- at the Hilton in Altamonte Springs for another Bridal Show! This will be our last show before our fabulous Gown Sale so please be sure to come out and support BABC by purchasing a raffle ticket for the chance to WIN your Wedding Gown! It's a great opportunity to do something charitable and warm for others and even gift yourself with the chance at a FREE GOWN!!!!

Join us Sunday February 15, 2009

Valentines Day Weekend

1:00 PM- 5:00 PM

(Check out this newly renovated facility!)

350 South North Lake Boulevard

Altamonte Springs FL 32715

Fashion show featuring David's Bridal & Absolutely Fitting

You Can Win One Of The Following Prizes:

An AMAZING Honeymoon provided by All About Travel

Coconut Bay Beach Resort in St. Lucia 4/day/3 night all-inclusive

2 Night stay at the Hilton

2 Night stay at the Sheraton Orlando North

1 Night stay and dinner for 2 at the Royal Plaza Hotel

Photography Package valued at $1,395 from J&R Productions

An engagement session plus 2 parent albums with purchase of any package Valued at $750 provided by Photography by Greg

$300 gift certificate off of DJ Services from Pizzazz Entertainment

$200 gift certificate off of DJ Services from Junction 88 Productions

1 free hour of Limo services with purchase of 3 hour package ? Valued at $180

Dinner and Golf for 2 at Harmony Golf Preserve

Free up lighting package valued at $300 provided by Soundwave Entertainment

More Grand Prizes to Be Announced!

Admission is only $10.00 per person -

Register online and pay $5.00 at door

www.OrlandoWeddingProfessionals.com

For more information:407.928.9612

Gown Drive Info!

Orlando BABC is so pleased to announce our upcoming Gown Drive! We hope you'll be just as driven to donate as our members have been to making this Drive a reality this year. This will be a two day event and we can't wait to meet Central Florida's most caring and warm hearts who are coming out to donate cherished gowns!

Gown Donation Drive

Friday, February 20th 11:30am - 7pm

Saturday, February 21st 10am - 4pm

Location

Room Service Furniture and Event Rentals

2105 Viscount Row

Orlando, FL

Pre-registration can be done at BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org!

Special Reminders for Donors:

*Your gown donation is tax deductible! The ORIGINAL value. (Awesome!)

*Your donation also enters you in an unbelievable giveaway drawing. Think tropical getaway...

So don't miss out! Donate your Gown and make a difference in the lives of Breast Cancer patients Nationwide!

See everyone Friday or Saturday!

Happiness and Success,

Cherise Phillips

Get to know Brides Against Breast Cancer

Today I wanted to share some background info on Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Foundation. The below info has been pulled from the Making Memories Website.

Mission Statement

“To provide an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients’ dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing a special time of 'Making Memories' together with their families, a chance that might not have become a reality without the assistance of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation."

"To advance the awareness of breast cancer and to educate the public about the vast resources and support available to breast cancer patients and their families."

Message from Making Memories

It is estimated that this year alone over 200,000 women and nearly 1,200 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, breast cancer will take the lives of almost 40,000 people this year in the United States and over 300,000 worldwide. In the United States one person will be diagnosed with breast cancer every 2½ minutes, and one person will die of breast cancer every 12 minutes. Many know that this disease is the second highest killer of women in the United States, but a little known fact is that breast cancer is the number one killer of women between the ages of 15 and 54.

The human toll of these statistics is staggering. Small children are left without their mothers. Husbands are left to raise families on their own. There are now 2.8 million women in America diagnosed with breast cancer—this number is increasing rapidly.

The tragedy of this illness, as with any terminal disease, is not limited to the physical and emotional impact. In many cases an enormous financial strain is placed on the family. The staggering cost of treatment must be paid, all the while hoping to buy time until a cure is found. When the insurance is exhausted and the hospitals are paid there is often no money left for extras. This means that many families cannot afford special moments together that might lift spirits and ease the turmoil of “saying goodbye.”

It is our intention to “make a difference” in the lives of those suffering from this devastating disease. Our wish-granting service helps put the realities of this terminal illness aside, if just for a few days, while providing the opportunity for a family to spend quality time together. Our hope is that every metastatic breast cancer patient will be able to pass from this world comforted with the joy of having left his or her family a final beautiful memory—something the family will look back on and remember for a lifetime.

Corporate Sponsorship, businesses, family memorials and private individual sponsors are urged to help support and grant wishes. At this time our primary fundraising branch is Brides Against Breast Cancer. We accept thousands of new and used wedding gowns every year from private and corporate donors, then sell these beautiful gowns to brides at exceptional savings over retail prices. Dozens of these gown sales events are scheduled annually in major cities all across the country. Other fundraising activities include Diamonds for Dreams and the Pink Envelope Project.

PWG Bridal Show- February 8, 2009

Brides Against Breast Cancer

will be showing at the

PWG Bridal Show on Sunday, February 8th, 2009.

A sampling of our donated Wedding Gowns will be modeled and ABC members will also be volunteering their time at the BABC booth to spread the word about the Making Memories Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness and of course the National Tour of Gowns which will be making its Orlando stop March 12-14th, 2009.

Please come out and support Orlando BABC's team efforts! We'll be selling raffle tickets at the show for a chance to WIN the Wedding Gown of YOUR choice from our donated collection.

Show Details are listed below!

Date: Sunday, February 08, 2009
Bridal Show: Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show at Orlando World Center Marriott
Price: 10.00
Event Details: 8701 World Center Drive Orlando, FL 32821

Phone: 407.936.0380 x131 Email: jenniferk@pwg.com

Pre-Register Online: http://orlando.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows/

WPCF Bridal Show Pictures

(Here's an overview of the BABC booth just before the doors were opened for the Brides! Lynn, Kerline and Melissa designed and composed this lovely booth display!)

My first time volunteering as a Gown Model for BABC! I found this to be a really fun and glamorous way to dedicate myself to the cause :) We received a great response to a few of the dresses in particular and hope to have them sold soon! All gowns shown (if still available) will be up for purchase at our Gown Sale in March, so if you like what you see- don't miss out on the show!

Here are some snapshots of our Sunday appearance at the Royal Plaza in Lake Buena Vista on Sunday, January 26th for the WPCF Bridal Expo.

The BABC booth- all set up and ready for the Brides!

Kerline (Joie de Vie) and Anna (Annie Muniz and Associates)

Round 1 of the modeling begins! (Jennifer, Cherise and Lindsay)

Ready to hand out postcards with the BABC Gown Sale info! (Cherise and Lindsay)

And "Here Come the Brides..." (Melissa, Jennifer and Rosie)

Of course we managed a Round 2! (Rosie, Lindsay, Cherise and Jennifer)

Big Smiles for a Job Well Done! (Melissa and Rosie)

Just A Reminder...

Big Day Tomorrow For BABC Orlando!!!!

Presented by WPCF
Sponsored by Neutrogena Cosmetics, Taylor Morrison & the Royal Plaza Hotel

Sunday, January 25, 2009
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)
Royal Plaza Hotel
1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

This action packed show has much to offer soon-to-be-Brides, including the opportunity to meet BABC Orlando Volunteers, learn about the Cause and how to help. ABC members dedicated to Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Foundation will be operating a booth on behalf of BABC, so please take a quick minute to stop by and get the information you need to help support Breast Cancer patients, nationwide.

We're looking forward to meeting everyone on Sunday!

About A Wish...

I've spent some time the last couple days reading through some of the published Wishes on the Making Memories website, familiarizing myself with some of the wonderful and awesome things BABC has inspired, funded and supported in past years.


For many people, a Cause or Issue isn't real until they can see it with their own eyes. Joining a Cause on Facebook is one thing- actually living a life of awareness, and truly understanding how you can help a person in need is another. Seeing for yourself how much your donations (whether it be time, effort or funding) lift another person, fill their lives with joy or enrich their last days on earth won't just gratify you- it may inspire the same lifting and fulfilment in yourself. Both Hope and Satisfaction lie in the Human Spirit and by helping one another, we evolve, carry on and succeed in our life's mission.


I'm posting a Granted Wish here now- hopefully it will serve as your daily reminder to spread kindness- and will continue to enlighten you with similar entries that will drive home the message and the proof that what we're doing, what you're doing and what everyone could be doing- does make a difference. The World goes round...



When BJ Oropeza contacted the Making Memories
Foundation asking for help in “surprising” his
wife, little did he know “what a difference” that
could make to Cathie. Exhausted from treatments
and caring for their two sons, ages 6 and 6
months, Cathie needed some “time in the sun.”
That time was found in Orlando, FL, at the Magic
Kingdom with her family. “Seven, magical, wonderful,
carefree days.”
“It was just so much fun,” she said upon her return.
“It was like a fairytale and I was the princess.
We could never have done this on our own -
not now, not with all our medical expenses. How
can I thank you? My son will never forget this
and my baby will have our pictures to look back
on.”
“I wish I could tell everyone what this trip meant
to us. Maybe if they only knew, they would help
another family in our situation. God Bless each
of you who participated in granting my wish.”


Cathie Oropeza’s wish comes true.

Central Florida Bridal Education Day and Expo

Presented by WPCF

Sponsored by Neutrogena Cosmetics, Taylor Morrison & the Royal Plaza Hotel

Sunday, January 25, 2009

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Royal Plaza Hotel

1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

This action packed show has much to offer soon-to-be-Brides, including the opportunity to meet BABC Orlando Volunteers, learn about the Cause and how to help. ABC members dedicated to Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Foundation will be operating a booth on behalf of BABC, so please take a quick minute to stop by and get the information you need to help support Breast Cancer patients, nationwide.

We're looking forward to meeting everyone on Sunday!

PS- Here's the link to sign up in advance for your tickets and get the expo schedule etc.

http://www.bridaleducationday.eventbrite.com/

Join us on FACEBOOK!!!

!ATTENTION BABC SUPPORTERS!

Please help us spread the word by joining our cause on Facebook!

BABC Orlando Members are working diligently to recruit supporters who will then recruit their own friends to support as well, won't you join in the fun?!

The BABC Orlando Facebook Cause is a great place for our supporters to get the latest and greatest news on what we're up to, how they can help and when to plan to attend our events.

Please follow this link below to access the Facebook cause, join and recruit, recruit, recruit! The more our community knows about Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Foundation, the more Wishes we can help Grant, the more Brides we can Gown and the more Good Natured Hearts we can Challenge to join this important battle!

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/165185?m=8c3a5226&recruiter_id=25998217

As Always- Happiness and Success!

Cherise Phillips

Gown Sale Announcement

The National Tour of Gowns

will be in Orlando

at the

UCF Alumni Center

on

Saturday, March 14th 2009

Soon-to-be Bride seeking perfect gown to be Wed in?

The National Tour of Gowns is a must-attend event! A delightful combination of untouched designer and graciously donated gowns will be available- all at exceptionally affordable prices.

Plus you'll receive the added bonus of knowing the dollars you spent on your Wedding Dress help fund Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Foundation who are

Granting Wishes, Saving Lives.

More details to follow- including how to register for an exclusive VIP showcase party our Modern and Classy Brides won't want to miss!

Welcome: An Introduction

Welcome Everyone- to the

Brides Against Breast Cancer, Orlando Blog!

hosted by Cherise Phillips, PBC with the Association of Bridal Consultants.

As an association, we are committed to Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Foundation. Local members of ABC collaborate each year to bring life and hope to some amazing events centered around the BABC desire to Grant Wishes to Breast Cancer patients, to enrich their lives.

As members, we volunteer ourselves to work the BABC booths at local bridal shows- informing guests of the foundation's position, upcoming events, when/where to attend the National Tour of Gowns show and even how to donate a gown after their own wedding is complete. Our heartfelt efforts aim to benefit blushing Brides seeking the dress they are to be Wed in, as well as Breast Cancer patients across the nation- many arranging and hoping for their final Wishes.

This year, our committee has agreed upon hosting a Gown Drive to collect donated dresses for the National Tour of Gowns. Every year, a rather large truck arrives in Orlando (one of many stops across our country) to unload a lavish and exquisite collection of wedding gowns for the annual Gown show/sale- coordinated and planned by ABC members. We in turn re-load the truck with new donations in need of preparation for their own big sale sometime in the future.

Now that you've got an idea of what Association members do for Brides Against Breast Cancer here in Orlando, why not check out some cool things you can do too!

1.) Get familiar with BABC and the Making Memories Foundation. These websites have so much to offer your charitable heart.

2.) Getting married? Need a dress? Consider attending the National Tour of Gowns sale in March 2009 at the UCF Alumni Center. You'll be pleasantly surrounded by donated gowns from past-brides, Designers and Bridal Salons- most brand new! Once you've found your Gown, the proceeds from the sale go directly to the Making Memories Foundation to Grant Wishes to terminally ill Breast Cancer patients. You can make a difference with your wedding, it's that easy!

3.) Married already? Not sure what to do with your Gown? Donate it, of course! Your gracious donation will Grant Wishes. For Brides-to-be, for Breast Cancer Patients, for Yourself. Donations are Tax Deductible. Claim the original value of your gown as a charity donation on your next tax return. A Win-Win-Win situation!

4.) Interested in helping the cause? We'll need plenty of assistance announcing the Gown Drive soon, so stay tuned for more ways you can join us in the fight against Breast Cancer!

Happiness and Success Always,

Cherise Phillips, PBC