Cancer organization opens boutique

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Mandy Milligan never met her fiance’s mother, but as she viewed herself in a wedding gown, she couldn’t help but think of her.

“My fiance’s mom died seven years ago of breast cancer,” she said. “I know if I was able to find a dress here and wear it at our wedding, it would be a great way to honor her.”

Brides Against Breast Cancer, a subsidiary of The Center for Building Hope, a non-profit that provides education, programs and other services to individuals affected by cancer, is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new bridal boutique and warehouse facility May 23, in Lake Osprey Plaza in Lakewood Ranch. There, brides such as Milligan can make an appointment to try on new and gently used gowns.

The 3,600-square-foot space, at 6279 Lake Osprey Drive, also serves as the warehouse facility, staging area and administrative offices for Brides Against Breast Cancer and its National Tour of Gowns campaign.

“Looking at our marketplace and that Sarasota is a premier wedding-destination location, we thought it would be fruitful for us to open a boutique and incorporate that into our warehouse space,” said Amy Paulishak, vice president of business development for Brides Against Breast Cancer.

Paulishak said the organization is seeking volunteers to assist with data entry, packing, sewing, alterations and other projects, and also is seeking donations of bridal gowns from 2009 and above.

Appointments can be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays by appointment only. For more, visit bridesabc.org or call 877-721-HOPE.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].