The Giving Coast

Pictured: Bridal parties took over The Exchange last week as over 300 new wedding dresses were donated for sale. Photo courtesy of The Exchange.

Last week, The Exchange, a renowned consignment shop in downtown Sarasota, hosted a very special, one-of-a-kind bridal event.

After receiving a generous donation of over 300 new wedding dresses valued between $600 and $1,000 from a Bradenton bridal shop that was forced to close its doors, The Exchange offered them at drastically reduced prices – $35 to $100 – for three days. The event ran from Thursday, August 1, through Saturday, August 3. In addition to wedding dresses, The Exchange offered a selection of mother of the bride dresses, bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos.

“It all started with an incredibly generous donation from a bridal shop in Bradenton that was closing,” says Karen Koblenz, President and CEO of The Exchange. “This was a first for us. We don’t normally accept wedding dresses because they take up too much space, but in this case we couldn’t turn down such a kind and thoughtful donation. Over 300 new wedding dresses were generously donated, along with dresses for the mother of the bride and flower girls, and tuxedos for men and boys. Fitting an entire bridal shop into our existing space proved to be a huge challenge!”

Before the store even opened on Thursday, 20 brides were lined up, and over the next few days the flow of visitors was steady. Given the fantastic prices, many brides bought two or three dresses at a time. “We were pleasantly surprised by how many men came in for tuxedos too. In the first four hours of the sale alone, we sold 62 dresses and 104 men’s items,” says Koblenz, who noted that a number of black tuxedo skirts and pants that could be used in the hospitality industry were also for sale.

Each year, The Exchange donates a portion of its revenue to the arts. In June of this year, it awarded grants and scholarships totaling $404,000—ten scholarships, 24 grants, and seven Arts in Education grants.

“The Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants support local 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties and will enable over 340 performances and exhibitions for K-12 students during The Exchange’s 2024-2025 fiscal year,” shares Koblenz. “These initiatives, including 54 workshops, encourage community engagement, enrich educational experiences, and foster creativity and cultural awareness in young people and educators.”

Thanks to the organization’s scholarships, many recipients have been able to hone their talents in local theaters, youth orchestras, operas and choirs, which have been supported by The Exchange for over 62 years. “These students are ready to inspire future generations worldwide, enrich lives and build a cultural legacy of creativity and appreciation,” says Koblenz. “In addition, a total of 24 scholarships were awarded to local 501(c)(3) arts organizations, highlighting a strong commitment to cultural enrichment. These scholarships recognize the significant role the arts play in improving mental well-being, personal development and community unity. They also boost the local economy by attracting tourists, generating revenue and creating jobs while supporting important artistic programs and maintaining a vibrant cultural landscape. These scholarships will fund 1,614 performances and reach an audience of 417,236 people.”

Koblenz and her team at The Exchange are excited about both the store’s donation and the community’s support. “We are extremely grateful for this generous donation. Not only does the contribution support the arts in our community, but it has also made a fairytale come true for many brides. We hope this once-in-a-lifetime event helps make their special day truly magical.”

The Exchange, 539 S. Orange Avenue, Sarasota; 941-955-7859.

Pictured: Bridal parties took over The Exchange last week as over 300 new wedding dresses were donated for sale. Photo courtesy of The Exchange.