Apr 08, 2016

Brides To Be Shows, Zaman International sell gowns for a good cause at May trade show

Metro Detroiters who missed Zaman International’s “Gowns For Good” fundraiser in October will have a second chance to buy deeply discounted designer dresses at a spring trade show for brides in Clinton Township.

Brides To Be Shows, a Shelby Township company that stages more than a dozen bridal expos each year throughout Southeast Michigan, has invited Zaman International to sell a hundred bridal and special occasion gowns at the trade show it will host on Sunday, May 15 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at The Imperial House, located at 34701 Groesbeck Highway. The gowns, which range from size 6 through size 24, are from premier designers such as Allure Bridals, David Tutera, Enzoani, Eddy K., Alfred Sung, Vonny Bridal, and Alfred Angelo and will be offered at 30-50% below retail prices. Dresses can be purchased with cash or credit card.

The brand new gowns were a gift to Zaman from Zeinab Salami, who recently closed her Canton bridal boutique, Bridal Magic, because of a health condition. All proceeds from the sale of the gowns will be used to support Zaman’s programs, which provide marginalized women and children throughout Southeast Michigan with crisis and basic needs assistance, vocational training, and infant burial. Kim Michael, director of operations for Brides To Be Shows, said the 35-year-old company was delighted to help a good cause.

“It’s always important to give back to those in need,” said Michael, adding that Brides To Be is not accepting a commission from the sale of the dresses or any money for the show’s overhead expenses. “We love the idea that women can come and plan their big day while helping mothers and children who are less fortunate.”

In addition to Zaman’s gowns, the May 15 trade show will showcase some 80 Detroit-area wedding vendors specializing in flowers, hair and makeup, music, stationary, photography and videography, jewelry and accessories, and transportation. Zaman’s gowns will be on display and available for day-of purchase, and will be arrayed prominently on a balcony with adjacent fitting rooms. Zaman staff will be on hand to assist guests and accommodate those who may need special assistance.

“We are delighted to give the community a second chance to get these amazing dresses at amazing prices,” said Zaman CEO and Founder Najah Bazzy. “We are very grateful to Zeinab Salami and Brides To Be Shows for their generosity and for helping Zaman raise money for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Tickets for the May 15 Brides To Be trade show cost $7 in advance and $9 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 586-228-2700 or by visiting www.bridestobe.us.

Zaman International is a non-profit organization committed to addressing the basic needs and empowerment of marginalized women and children locally and internationally. Founded in 1996 and incorporated in 2004, Zaman has to date assisted more than 125,000 people in Southeast Michigan with food, clothing, furniture, utility assistance, infant burial, and other essential needs, while providing humanitarian relief, disaster response, and access to safe drinking water to an additional 600,000 across the world through international activities and partnerships. Since 2014, Zaman has operated out of the Hope For Humanity Center, a 40,500-square-foot facility in Inkster that houses its crisis assistance, vocational training and life skills programs. For more information, please visit www.zamaninternational.org.