Attention, Chicago brides, brides-to-be, and bridesmaids!! One of my best friends helps run a beautiful bridal boutique in the Western suburbs of Chicago–in Wheaton, Ill., to be exact–that takes gently used wedding dresses donated by brides and donates the proceeds to anti-trafficking efforts in the Chicagoland area. The boutique is called “Bridal Boutique by New Name.” Last time I visited her, I was dropping off a donated dress but couldn’t chat long as she had to run to a day full of fittings with brides coming to the boutique as they were totally booked on a Saturday in March for brides to come through and try on dresses for their wedding day! Not to mention WGN Chicago published a feature story and video about the boutique this year, and it’s profiled on WeddingWire (with 5 out of 5 stars!!) as well. Here’s a bit of the boutique’s story:
Bridal Boutique by New Name opened in 2017 with the purpose of generating funds for women who have been exploited and trafficked in the Chicagoland area. We sell gently used and brand new wedding dresses for 50 – 80% off retail price. 100% of the proceeds go to New Name.
New Name is a faith-based outreach to women in the adult industry. Founded in July of 2009, New Name has grown to 15 chapters throughout the Chicagoland area. Each month our teams collectively reach out to over 60 venues and make calls to over 100 women advertised online for prostitution. We also teach about the dangers of sex trafficking and prostitution to at risk and incarcerated young women and men, and raise awareness within our communities about the dangers of sex trafficking. New Name has no paid staff and and does no fundraising thus the funds from the Bridal Boutique have allowed us to support more women as they transition out of the life.
Since our opening we have had the privilege of helping many brides find their perfect dress. As brides start their new chapter, they allow women to have a new beginning too. Just this past year we were able to help with the following: counseling services, transportation, medical bills, junior college tuition, groceries and hotels for women who need safe living situations.
We are so thankful for our generous brides who donate their dresses to make this boutique possible.
You can read Reviews about the Bridal Boutique by New Name experience, Book an Appointment to try on dresses, and learn more about how to Donate A Dress, all on their website! Here is a bit of detail about the dress donation process:
Not only will your dress bless a new bride, but 100% of the sale will help benefit exploited and trafficked women. Donated gowns in good condition are offered for sale to new brides seeking the perfect dress for their special day. Your past wedding gown could bless both a new bride and help empower women. Proceeds benefit New Name, which directly helps women transitioning into a new life.
Dresses that are up to 7 years old, belts, shoes, petticoats, veils, and bridal hair accessories are accepted.
If your dress is in any keepsake box, please put it in a plastic or cloth garment bag. It is greatly appreciated if you are able to clean your gown. You may be able to economize on cleaning costs by indicating you do not need preservation measures, and by requesting a discounted rate due to your plan of donating the gown to this cause. If arranging a cleaning is a challenge, you may simply include a check to cover the cleaning costs, which start at $50 for a wedding gown.
All donated dresses will receive a tax benefit donation receipt.
So what are you waiting for?? Bless with a dress today!!
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