Philanthropic Bride Challenge

phi⋅lan⋅thro⋅py  [fi-lan-thruh-pee]

concern for others outside oneself, for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons…a particular act, form or instance of this activity

Philanthropy and Fashion go together well!  At Church Street Bridal, we are more than just a bridal shop.  We are a service to the community and to women and their families who benefit from our programs.

In the spirit of that statement, we have decided to present the public with a challenge.

Follow the guidelines below to take part in this EXCITING event:

1.    Write an essay or letter (500 words or less) about a philanthropic bride-to-be.  For example, you may want to tell us about what she has done in her community to impact those in need above and beyond what was required/expected.  How she inspired and led others. You could include feedback from those she helped.  Lastly, tell us what sets this bride “apart from the crowd.”  In other words, why should she win?

2.    Fax your essay or letter to 434-528-3449 on or before January 11, 2010.  You may also email it to mduncanywca@yahoo.com with a subject line that says, “Philanthropic Bride.”  Lastly, you may choose to mail your entry to the YWCA of Central Virginia, 626 Church Street, Lynchburg, VA  24504.

3.    Check our website (www.lynchburgywca.org) on February 1, 2010 for the announcement of our winner.  On February 11, 2010 she will be awarded her prize in an open-house event at the YWCA’s Church Street Bridal.  Please include your contact information as well as the bride-to-be.

So…you want to know what she’ll win, right?  That’s the best part!  The winning Philanthropic Bride will receive…

·      A gift certificate to Church Street Bridal good for…

o   1 (one) veil, 1 (one) bridal gown and 1 (one) pair of bridal shoes from Church Street Bridal Shop.

·      A $1000 gift certificate to use towards photography services from award-winning photographer David Duncan.  David specializes in photojournalistic weddings.  Check out his work at www.davidduncanphoto.com.

·      Recognition on the YWCA of Central Virginia website with a photo of the bride and the winning essay or letter

·      An open-house ceremony for the bride to present her with her prizes.  Local media will be invited to this event.

How inspiring is that list of prizes?!  So, get writing and let us hear about your wonderful bride-to-be and their service to the community. 

In addition to the Philanthropic Bride, we will award three 25% off coupons to three separate bride-to-be entries as an Honorable Mention for the work they have done.

Please note the rules of this contest as follows:

·      All nominations will be acknowledged. 

·      All nominations received after the deadline will be returned to the nominator and not counted in the challenge.

·      Your “bride-to-be” must have a set wedding date and/or be officially engaged.

·      Only one entry about the bride-to-be will be applicable.  We will take the first one received and use that for judging.

·      An anonymous panel as well as the staff of Church Street Bridal Shop and David Duncan Photography will do the judging.

·      Prizes that are awarded must be used within six months of the presentation open house.  After six months, the prizes will be considered null and void.

·      David Duncan Photography is an independent business and is not owned by the YWCA of Central Virginia.  They will provide instructions for how to redeem your prize.

·      None of the prizes can be redeemed for cash.  The certificates are for merchandise and services only.  No cash will be rewarded for remaining balances once prizes are redeemed.

·      The bride-to-be must be present at the open house to win her prize.  If she cannot be present, the runner-up will be awarded and the same rules will then apply to her.

·      The bride-to-be may not be employed by or related to an employee of the YWCA of Central Virginia.

·      The YWCA reserves the right to end this challenge early or to cancel the challenge if circumstances beyond their control keep them from being able to finish. (ex. Natural Disaster, loss of property, etc…)

·      The winning bride-to-be must provide a photo and photo release to be used for print and online.

·      The dress, veil and shoes must be chosen from inventory available at the time of redemption.  Church Street Bridal will do their best to help the bride find the size, color and style she would like for her wedding day. If a size, color or style cannot be found, she may choose to use her certificate for another comparable product or products at Church Street Bridal or Church Street Bridal, Too.

·      The bride will responsible for paying applicable Virginia sales tax on the merchandise she selects.  Tax will not be charged for the photography services from David Duncan Photography.

·      If the winning bride-to-be has purchased her dress from Church Street Bridal on or after July 1, 2009, the YWCA of Central Virginia will refund the price of that dress and the bride will be given a choice of veil and shoes.  If she purchased her veil and shoes with the dress, that cost will be refunded also.

·      Honorable Mention coupons must be used within six months of the date. 

·      Honorable Mention coupons may be used on any merchandise in Church Street Bridal or Church Street Bridal, Too.  They may only be used on one purchase and the coupon must be surrendered to Church Street Bridal at that time.

·      The YWCA of Central Virginia reserves the right to change or amend the rules at any time.

·      For questions about the rules and regulations of this challenge, please contact Michelle Duncan at 434-847-7751 or mduncanywca@yahoo.com