SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Gowns & Glory, a vintage bridal gown auction and fundraising event, will bring the community together in support of returning warriors and their families this Fourth of July.
The event, to be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on July 4, 2016 at Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg Event Center, will raise money for Upstate Warrior Solution through a combination of a live-and-online auction and the Fund a Need portion of the event.
A community-based, not-for-profit, Upstate Warrior Solution helps Upstate veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserve warriors and their families. The organization serves Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Greenville counties, connecting warriors and families to community solutions and leading them to empower themselves.
The Gowns & Glory has its roots in another UWS event, Let Freedom Ring: A Warrior’s Wedding, an all-expense paid wedding contest for a veteran held earlier this year.
After hearing about the Warrior Wedding, Bob Forsyth, the oldest WWII veteran living at the Cliffs Valley Community, had an idea about a way to enhance that event while honoring his wife’s work. Forsyth is married to Fifth Avenue New York designer Eva Haynal Forsyth, whose works have been sold at Neiman Marcus, Kleinfield, and other retailers. Bob Forsyth contacted Upstate Warrior Solution and offered dozens of wedding dresses designed by his wife – an act of generosity that ultimately led to the Gowns & Glory event.
Rita Allison, Editorial Director of ELYSIAN magazine, which is co-sponsoring the event, said Gowns & Glory offers a unique way to celebrate our nation’s independence, while supporting those brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep our nation free.
“Upstate Warrior Solution is performing an invaluable service by helping our servicemen and servicewomen successfully return to civilian life,” Allison said. “I encourage everyone to celebrate these warriors on the Fourth of July with us. If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, make sure to check out this wonderful assortment of vintage, designer gowns online and then come to the event, raise your paddle and support this worthy cause.”
What: Gowns & Glory, a vintage bridal gown auction and fundraiser
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, July 4, 2016
Who: Proceeds benefit Upstate Warrior Solution
Where: Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg, 1201 Union St., Spartanburg, S.C., 29302
About Upstate Warrior Solution
Upstate Warrior Solution is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that connects warriors and their families to resources and opportunities, leads them through the process of self-empowerment, and inspires the community to embrace local warriors and their families as valued neighbors and friends. UWS defines a warrior as any person who is currently serving or has served in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of military branch, nature of discharge, or current life situation. For more information, visit www.upstatewarriorsolution.org.
About ELYSIAN magazine
Greek in origin, the word Elysian means beautiful or creative, divinely inspired, peaceful and perfect. It is with this idea in mind that the magazine ELYSIAN was launched in February 2016. ELYSIAN strives to serve the reader with both beautiful visuals and alluring content. Headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., ELYSIAN magazine is a product of Palladian Publication, a subsidiary of The Palladian Group. For more, visit www.READELYSIAN.com or www.thepalladiangroup.com.
About Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg
Located at 1201 Union St. in Spartanburg, S.C., Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg believes no home is ever fully furnished. Offering a wide assortment of hand-painted furniture and home decor pieces from more than 30 artists, this warehouse repurposes, reclaims and reinvents.
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