SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Millions of dollars worth of wedding gowns were stolen in this ritzy desert city from a company that uses its profits to grant wishes to women dying of breast cancer.
Thousands of gowns worth an estimated $3 million were inside a trailer parked in a hotel parking lot. The trailer, which went missing between 7 and 9 a.m. Sunday, is owned by Making Memories, an Oregon-based nonprofit.
“They’ve stolen the last wish and dream and hope of someone who is terminally ill,” said Fran Hansen, the group’s director and co-founder.
The group was on its way to a charity event in Los Angeles after traveling to Washington, D.C.
Authorities have few leads because there were no witnesses. The truck’s license plate has been entered into a national database of stolen vehicles.
Hansen said she hopes someone will spot the 40-foot trailer, which displays the organization’s name.
Nick Dilello, owner of the Phoenix Bridal Show, donated three dresses to the group Sunday morning after the trailer was stolen.
His mother’s wish was fulfilled by Making Memories in 2004. She died from breast cancer three weeks ago.
The gowns Dilello donated are now the only ones the organization has. The dresses range in price from $250 to $1,000 but have retail values of $5,000 to $18,000, he said.
“It’s unfortunate there isn’t much more we can do,” said Scottsdale police spokesman Sgt. Mark Clark. “We are lucky that it’s a unique vehicle combination, so maybe someone will spot it.”
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