KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Weddings are expensive, but Hillcrest Platte County is helping brides say “I do” without the debt. The organization is having a dress sale to support Kansas City brides and Hillcrest’s bigger mission.
Thanks to a surprise donation, the store received 160 brand-new bridal gowns, many with tags still attached. Now, Hillcrest is selling the gowns for just $50 to $350.
Each dress sold supports Hillcrest’s broader mission: breaking the cycle of poverty by providing housing, life skills training and budgeting support for the working homeless and homeless students.
“When I think about this dress donation, I think about the impact it’s going to have on so many families in this community,” said Donice Mahan, Hillcrest Platte County director. “To come here and buy a beautiful dress for your wedding — and have it also fit in your budget — that’s right in alignment with our mission to teach people budgeting skills.”
The dresses come in sizes 4 to 30, and shoppers can try them on in-store. Hillcrest hopes each bride leaves with not only a gown but with peace of mind.
“We want them to have that experience that they would have at a bridal shop,” Mahan said. “We want them to feel that excitement, but also without the stress of, ‘Holy moly, how am I going to afford this?'"
Outlet store manager Jina Morrione knows how expensive weddings can be.
“I know it’s very expensive to have a wedding or buy a dress, so these are just fractions of the price,” Morrione said. “They’re brand new, they’re beautiful and they’re ready for a home.”
Hillcrest said the promotion will continue until every dress is gone. A dress auction is ongoing, too. It costs just $5 to enter, and a winner will be selected May 28.
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KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
