I love the Internet, you never know what you might find along the way to somewhere else. I had some ideas and decided to surf the web to confirm my thoughts and stumbled upon the link, Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring.
I quickly learned that Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) bridal shop and the founder, Donna Vaccarezza, is called “Your Budget Fairy Godmother.” Too cute, but there is really a serious mission behind all this beauty!
Donna is a delightful, committed New Yorker who loves to give back. She is an inspiring woman whose careers are as varied as the dresses in her boutique. Her career began as a nurse, and she cultivated her diverse skill sets following these job paths: teacher, therapist, sales professional with Mary Kay Cosmetics, and ultimately working in retail. Donna swears, “The Lord has been directing me, and all these wonderful experiences brought me to where I am today.”
The Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Boutique is a special place. A portion of all sales proceeds goes to two other not-for-profit charities: Victims’ Rights Foundation, which performs volunteer support services on behalf of victims of violent crimes and attacks, and The Rockville Pregnancy Clinic, which serves those facing pregnancy related and sexual health issues, to empower their clients to make healthy life-affirming decisions.
Many of the gowns are donated by brides and for-profit bridal salons, and are a mixture of gently worn or brand new. And these donations are tax deductible. Are you thinking of donating? Be aware, though, Donna is at capacity, so don’t start rummaging through your attic.
Since Donna is also a fashionista, I wondered what was trendy on Fairytale racks and what were her brides requesting. Donna did not disappoint, she says, “anything lace, simple and, of course, the sleek and slender silhouettes.”
While Fairytale Brides has ball gowns, they are not being requested. But what is hot in Montgomery County Maryland is plus size bride dresses, and Donna told me, “We have sizes up to 30w and plus size women are great customers.”
So, there you have it. Brides are indeed rocking the wedding aisle with gently used wedding gowns, jewelry, tiaras, and an assortment of accessories. And those who donate are getting a tax deduction at Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Boutique.
Check out Fairytale Brides online at www.fairytalebrides.org and be sure to join them for their Fairytale Brides Fundraising Event. Fashion. Fun. Philanthropy. And giving back with style with a Fashion Show & Silent Auction on Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 1-4pm at the Rock Creek Mansion, 5417 West Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Maryland. Be sure to tell them Marsha sent you!
Marsha Jews is the Editor-At-Large(USA) for World Bride Magazine and the founder of Marsha Jews & Company a full service marketing, business development, Wedding/Events/ Conference planning & management; and communications company. Marsha Jews is the Founder/CEO of WKIMRadioNetwork.com.
and the former Founder/Curator of the Herbert Bearman Art Gallery & Director of Events & Weddings at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum.
Marsha was Project Director on two community technology development grants: Harlem Renaissance 2K1 and NY-OneNet at the Institute of Learning Technologies and the Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Columbia University, New York.
As President/COO/Associate Publisher at Career Communications Group Marsha managed Black Engineer/Hispanic and Information Technology Magazines; the Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference and was Co-Founder of the Women of Color Technology Awards Conference; Black Family and LaFamilia Technology Awareness Week(s).
The former Executive Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation of Maryland; presenting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Ailey II and AileyCamp and Director of Advertising for the 125-year-old Afro-American Newspaper, Inc.
Marsha was Vice President of Operations for the Marine Corps League Exhibit Company, and was the first black woman to produce the Modern Day Marine Force in Readiness Military Exposition and Awards Gala a program of the United States Marine Corps, Capitol Marines and the Marine Corps League, while simultaneously the Director of Advertising for the Amphibious Warfare Review Magazine.
Marsha is active in the community; former board member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and was the first Black Trustee to chair their Annual Gala; Commissioner- Maryland Public Television Commission; Founding board member of the Maryland Association for Nonprofit Organizations; former trustee for the College of Notre Dame and the Maryland Institute College of Art; Trustee at the Enoch Pratt Library, and has won numerous awards; Co‐Author in Incredible Business and is an avid volunteer and speaker.
