$3 Million Dollars in Gowns Stolen from Brides Against Breast Cancer
The following is a press release from http://www.makingmemories.org/
Los Angeles, CA - Sunday, November 5, 2006
Over $3 Million dollars worth of wedding dresses en route to a charity event in Los Angeles were stolen Sunday morning just days before the event opens to the public. Some time between 7:30 am and 8:30 am, the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation’s truck and 40′ white cargo trailer filled with over $3 million dollars worth of new and gently worn wedding dresses was stolen from a Phoenix, AZ hotel parking lot as it was en route to the final event of the year to be held in Los Angeles.
Both the trailer, described as a 40 foot, 5th wheel, Pace American, three axle, white cargo trailer and the white 2006 Ford F-350, diesel, crew cab, 4 WD, dually pickup, which was donated to the charity by radio talk show hosts, “The Ron and Don Show”, were discovered missing early Sunday morning by Fran Hansen, co-founder of the organization.
Making Memories is an organization that grants dying wishes for patients diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Their main fundraising event is the sale of wedding gowns that have been donated by manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals. The organization drives the trailer full of wedding gowns, wedding accessories, garment racks, mirrors and everything needed to put the event together from city to city - hosting a sale in key cities across the country in the “Nationwide Tour of Gowns”, known as “Brides Against Breast Cancer”. The foundation was headed to Hollywood, CA for the next event that is supposed to start setting up on Thursday at the Hyatt West Hollywood.
“The real pain here is not a missing truck or a missing trailer. The tragedy is that the Los Angeles sale is one of our biggest events of the year and we were counting on raising the funds there that we need to grant the Christmas wishes we have waiting. These are not just dresses to us, they are the wishes and dreams we can make come true for people who are truly suffering and the promises we have made to those who have donated them,” said Fran Hansen.
The charity is mobilizing two other smaller trailers from around the country to pick up dresses and supplies at the warehouse in Portland, Oregon and drive straight through in hopes that the Los Angeles event can still achieve its very important goals. “We’d like to reach out to local bridal salons, manufacturers and wedding industry companies, to ask for donations to help us restock what was taken. Wedding dresses, cash donations, products for our silent auction or any other help to make sure the Hollywood event succeeds would be greatly appreciated and can be brought to the Hyatt West Hollywood on Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 9am and 5pm,” said Suzanne Appel, Los Angeles Chairperson. Donations of gowns from other areas can be sent to Making Memories Foundation, 12708 SE Stephens Street, Portland, OR 97233.
The Brides Against Breast Cancer charity wedding gown sale will be held in the ballroom at the Hyatt West Hollywood Hotel, located at 8401 Sunset Boulevard, on Friday, November 10, from 10 AM to 8 PM and on Saturday, November 11, from 10AM until 6 PM. Set-up for the event will begin on Thursday, November 9th at 12 noon – 6pm and media is invited to attend. Models will be available and wearing donated gowns during set-up for media coverage from 3pm-6pm. Live coverage of the event is also encouraged and may begin as early as November 10th @ 6am, reporters are invited to attend. John Moore, Hyatt Catering Director, can assist with site needs. Please contact him at 323-785-6064.
Press Inquiries:
Fran Hansen 503-307-5600 or fran@makingmemories.org for non-immediate issues.
Suzanne Appel, Los Angeles Chairperson, can be reached at 310-920-8204 or babc@greenappels.com
Oregon license plate numbers: 2006 Ford F350 pickup 983-CFB
40′ fifth wheel - Pace American Trailer HS43373
Additional Information: Please visit www.makingmemories.org