November 11, 2024

Nonprofit Gifts Free Wedding Gowns to Military and First Responder Brides

Every bride deserves to feel her best on her wedding day, and one Massachusetts-based nonprofit is helping to make that a reality for some of our nation’s heroes. Since its founding in 2008, Brides Across America has gifted more than 26,000 wedding dresses and over 25 free weddings to military and first responder brides-to-be.

The ultimate goal is to “spread more love around the world, one dress and one wedding at a time,” according to the organization’s website. “We believe in changing lives and transformation,” it says of its core values. “If we can change one life and make a difference, we have done what we set out to do.”

Dresses are donated by individuals, stores, and sponsors, with some gowns retailing as high as $10,000, per CBS News. By taking action today, you can unite with Brides Across America in passing on the love and making a dream come true.

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CEO REFLECTIONS

I didn’t grow up in a military family, but I have several family members who are veterans. I was aware of their time spent in service to our country, but it wasn’t something that was talked about much.

When I was in high school, I had a history teacher named Mr. Cannon. He was a veteran of the Korean war, and he was an expert on WWII and Cold War history. Through him I grew to have a true appreciation for the sacrifices that US military members made, allowing me to have the freedoms tha I enjoy today.

I'm very grateful to Mr. Cannon for instilling this appreciation in me. I try to go out of my way to thank veterans for their service to our country and for the sacrifices that they made. Consider sharing your appreciation for our veterans with a young person this Veteran’s Day and explain to them why it’s important that we never take our freedoms for granted. God Bless America.

Together we can make a difference!

Cari Newton, Founder & CEO

“If you try to be kind to people, you’ll be on the road to a good life.”

George Dunn, WWII veteran

Project Little Hero

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Carl is an Iraq Campaign U.S Army combat medic veteran who served from 2006 through 2011.

After completing his service in the Army, Carl began a new chapter in life dedicated to serving his community. He trained as a paramedic and later completed nursing school at the University of Cincinnati, driven by a desire to help others. However, health issues and injuries related to military service required him to step back from the workforce. In 2019, following the tragic loss of a local officer, Carl and his wife were inspired to take action in support of first responders, veterans, and their families. This led to the creation of the nonprofit Back the Heroes Rumble, committed to honoring and assisting those who serve and protect all of us every day.

In addition, their new Project Little Hero program provides school supplies for back-to-school season and organizes a holiday toy drive for children in the families of first responders and veterans. By addressing these everyday needs, they aim to uplift families who selflessly support our community. Hundreds of children were served in the last year alone and they anticipate an even bigger impact felt across the region this year. Thanks to our partnership with Benevolist, we were able to have a broader reach for support from the public for our efforts and aided improved reach to those we serve directly.

“As a father, a veteran, and a community advocate, I believe strongly that our heroes and their families deserve continuous support and respect. Our nonprofit remains a 100% volunteer organization, and I am honored to lead alongside an incredible team committed to making an impact.” -Carl Whalen

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