SANTEE -- Those entering the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation Warehouse Outlet at the Santee Outlets Mall are surrounded by a sea of bridal gowns in white satin, lace, chiffon and other delicate fabrics. A total of 7,000 bridal and attendant dresses are currently on display at the shop, which has moved to larger quarters directly behind Izod to accommodate the ever-increasing selection of gowns, veils, shoes and other accessories for the bride's big day.

The shop is unique because 100 percent of the proceeds from sales go toward granting the wishes of terminally ill breast cancer patients, both male and female.

The prices of the wedding finery are deeply discounted, a fraction of what they would sell for in today's market. The shop is the first warehouse outlet in the country that is open to the public.

"We are one of the biggest bridal shops on the East Coast," said Barbara Raskin, director of the Eastern Region of the Making Memories Foundation and former marketing director of Bride's magazine.

Raskin is assisted by her mother, Dorothy Joralemon, volunteer coordinator, and Betty Rohn, communities coordinator. The women, together with Rohn's husband, Donald, and Hildegard and Peter Tolksdorf, are known as "Team Santee." An important factor in the shop's success and outstanding reputation is the personalized customer service and advice it offers.

Eighty percent of the gowns are brand new, donated by top bridal designers, and the others have been donated as tax-deductible gifts by brides who want to help other women. The gowns come in all sizes, including plus. The spacious shop also features gowns for attendants, mothers-of-the bride and flower girls as well as headpieces, veils, shoes and other bridal accessories. In addition, an extensive selection of prom gowns and special-occasion gowns is carried.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, bride-to-be McRae Smith of Charleston, accompanied by her mother, Mary Smith, and family friend, Karen Hyatt, was trying to make one of the most important decisions of her young life – which wedding gown to choose for her wedding on March 29, 2008.

McRae tried on gown after gown, each of which looked lovely on her, but she kept coming back to one special favorite. Since the wedding is so far away, however, her mother advised her to put a deposit on the dress and have the store hold it for her until she can make a decision.

"I want to be certain that my daughter loves this gown as much six months or a year from now," Mary Smith said.

Breast cancer statistics are staggering. Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. The women and their families who have had their wishes granted by Making Memories are unanimous in their praise for the organization. A letter received from recipient Cathy Welch says of the trip to Maui her family was granted through the Foundation, "We found a genuine delight in Maui – the place you've always dreamed about, the one beyond the end of the road, where you can leave it (breast cancer) all behind and just stay."

Another letter came from the sister of Jackie Oddi, a breast cancer patient who was not well enough to write a thank-you note herself but wanted to express her appreciation for her family's trip. "Everything in Hawaii was fun, and Jackie is back at home resting after all the excitement," Jane Oddi wrote.

Raskin explained that she and her staff will be starting their road tours soon. These dedicated volunteers travel every four to six weeks with the "Brides Against Breast Cancer" Nationwide Tour of Gowns that visits more than 40 cities a year. The gowns travel in a 40-foot-long truck which is loaded with 800 gowns by Raskin, Joralemon and Rohn and driven all over the country by Donald Rohn.

On Feb. 17 and 18, the shop will sponsor a bridal show at Osborne's Catering Hall in Florence.

"Osborne's is owned by three sisters, two of whom have had breast cancer," Raskin said.

Raskin will also have the honor of being the kickoff speaker at the first bridal show ever held at Biltmore Estate on Feb. 25.

The volunteers at the shop also participate in the Santee community by holding an outdoor bridal show annually at the town's Maize Days Festival.

Team Santee was named Volunteer Team of the Year by the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, and Dorothy Joralemon was named Nationwide Volunteer of the Year.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, or to set up an appointment after hours, call 803-854-2022 or 843-901-0402 or visit www.makingmemories.org.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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