GSA is Hosting a Unique Designer Bridal Sale at the Embassy Suites Baltimore Hotel at BWI Airport November 18-20 Proceeds Going to a DC Based Non Profit

November 13, 2015

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2015

Contact:
Joan Kornblith, GSA Federal Acquisition Service
joan.kornblith@gsa.gov, 202-805-4743

WASHINGTON, D.C.– GSA Auctions is holding a one-of-a-kind fixed price sale of 2,000 designer gowns and other wedding wear November 18-20 at The Embassy Suites Baltimore Hotel at BWI Airport in Linthicum, Maryland. But this isn’t just an opportunity to pick up a gorgeous gown at 40% off retail – it’s also the chance to help a DC based non-profit get back some of the money it lost to a local scam artist.

This sale, conducted by GSA on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service, is of designer dresses (and other wedding wear and accessories) seized earlier this year from Couture Miss Bridal and Formal in Upper Marlboro after owner Ephonia Green was convicted of stealing $5.1 million from her former employer, the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Washington, DC non-profit represents all the accredited medical schools in the US and Canada and is responsible for administering the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). According to the government’s evidence, Green, who worked for the Association as an administrative assistant for fifteen years, created and submitted false invoices to the non-profit and embezzled approximately $5.1 million from her employer over an eight year period. As part of her conviction, Green was ordered to turn over all her assets, including the bridal store.

Despite the abrupt closure of the store, U.S. Marshals made sure brides-to-be who ordered gowns from Green’s shop had their dream dresses in time for their big day. Adding to that happy ending: proceeds from this U.S. Marshals sale of 2,400 pieces of new, high end, designer wedding wear goes to the non-profit Green embezzled from.

Quick Facts:

WHEN: November 18-20, 2015 (Sale Hours 9-4 Wed & Thurs 11/18-19, 9-1 on Fri 11/20)

WHERE: Embassy Suites Baltimore Hotel At BWI Airport 1300 Concourse Drive, Linthicum, MD 21090

WHAT: More than 2,400 items will be sold, including 2,000 new designer wedding gowns (sizes 4 to 24) priced at least 40% off retail (some as much as 60% off). Prices starting at $35 and go over $1,900 (original prices up to $4,290)

• Designers include: Badgley Mischka, Alfred Angelo, David Tutera, and many others
• Also included: tuxedos, shoes, tiaras, veils, belts, and other wedding accessories.

We’ve already heard from one buyer flying up from Atlanta for this sale.

Reporters are welcome during the Tuesday afternoon set up and during all sale hours Wed-Fri – but we ask that you schedule interviews with the U.S. Marshals and GSA representatives in advance. No shoppers will be on site Tuesday.

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