Bridal and evening wear designer Galia Lahav has donated seven wedding gowns from her fashion house’s latest collection to Goodwill, the largest nonprofit workforce development network in North America.
Inspired by a viral TikTok video showing a student discovering a couture Galia Lahav wedding dress at a Birmingham, Alabama, Goodwill store, Galia Lahav decided to donate seven additional custom gowns.
The gowns will be distributed across select stores and aim to offer brides-to-be the chance to experience their own “Cinderella moments” when they find their dream wedding gown at an affordable price.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Galia Lahav to empower individuals through fashion,” said Onney Crawley, chief marketing officer at Goodwill Industries International, in a statement. “This collaboration not only provides access to high-quality designer dresses at discounted prices but also promotes sustainability by extending the life cycle of luxury clothing while fueling the Goodwill mission of workforce development.”
The donation is in line with the Goodwill New Lives public service campaign, which highlights the transformative impact of donated goods on individuals’ lives through the Power of Work. All proceeds from the donated wedding dresses will directly contribute to funding local job training and placement programs, enabling Goodwill organizations to further their mission of empowering communities.
“This collaboration is not just about dresses; it’s about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives while promoting charitable giving and sustainability,” said founder and designer Galia Lahav in a statement. “We are proud to support Goodwill and look forward to seeing the positive impact this donation will have.”
“When individuals donate or purchase bridal attire at Goodwill, they are helping members of their community start on a path to career training and advancement,” continued Crawley in a statement. Following brides and grooms’ big day, Crawley encourages wedding parties to consider donating bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses or men’s fashions to their local Goodwill store.
“Donating your wedding gown is a great way to pay it forward, and donated bridesmaids’ dresses or tuxes can be repurposed as affordable prom wear or special occasion attire,” concluded Crawley.
For over 120 years, Goodwill organizations across North America have empowered individuals through job placement, training programs, and various community services, helping over 1.7 million people in 2023 alone. With more than 3,300 stores and online marketplaces, Goodwill generates revenue to fund these vital employment initiatives, supporting individuals in earning paychecks and advancing their careers.
