Since its inception last July, Brides Across America has given more than 1,500 gowns to military brides across the country, and selected to be a part of Oprah’s Angel Network.
“It’s such a nice thing to be a part of. The Angel Network is all charitable, and there’s so many people that do things to make a difference,” Janson said. “I feel really honored to be a part of it.”
After listening to an Afghanistan-based soldier on NPR talk about how the troops feel forgotten, Janson thought it was time to do her part and give support, which is when she began Brides Across America.
“His story really bothered me,” Janson said. “And I thought ‘What can I do as an American citizen to help?’”
Military brides-to-be flocked to bridal salons nationwide to bridal shop, including a woman who flew in from Ohio, to receive a wedding dress during a two-day giveaway in July 2008.
Word of Janson’s event spread across the country, and soon, her phone was ringing off the hook from not only brides hoping for another giveaway, but from stores across the country who wanted to do a similar giveaway. After the outpouring of support, Janson organized a nationwide giveaway, where more than 1,000 gowns were given out around Veterans Day, with one store giving away $15,000 worth of merchandise.
“The stores are really happy — it shows that you can be part of something bigger than just doing business every day,” Janson said. “You can do something positive for someone else. With the economy being so rough, a lot of these families getting married now are having problems affording the wedding process.”
Janson said the giveaways are also a good option for couples whose weddings have to be expedited due to deployment and can’t wait the six months required for an ordered wedding gown. Such a case came from a man in upstate New York whose wife was being deployed. He was a retired Army man himself, and his funding was cut in half, so they didn’t really have the money for a wedding.
“I told him the closest facility was in New York City, which was a five-hour drive for him, and he said that he’d drive anywhere to help her,” Janson said. “What complete dedication.”
Stories like that are what motivate Janson to continue the program. Recently, Janson was contacted by the Injured Soldiers Association to help with its Disney Dream Wedding program in December, and Brides Across America is providing dresses for the 30 to 40 brides registered.
“I believe what goes around comes around,” Janson said. “I’m very passionate about making a difference. The news isn’t very happy these days, and with the economy the way it is, people are struggling, and morale is down. This is just a good way to generate positive movement. We’re just planting a little seed that we hope spreads — making people aware, that’s the fuel.”
Brides Across America is getting ready for its 3rd annual nationwide Veteran’s Day Event to support our troops and pay tribute to our Veterans. Log on to htpp://www.bridesacrossamerica.com to locate the store closest to you and upcoming dates.
