By the time Sunday rolls around, Four Points by Sheraton will be filled to the brim. There will be flowing gowns, arrays of shoes and glistening jewels, vendors just waiting to hand out products and 20 hopeful members of The Junior League of the Flint Hills who are eager to provide affordable formal wear and raise money to supply community bookshelves.

“Providing affordable gowns is definitely a need in the community,” Junior League member Kayla Savage said. “We saw a potential for this event with prom season upon us and we thought this would be a great event to provide formal dresses that are donated by members of the community to others at affordable prices.”

With the help of sponsor Josh Salmans from State Farm, Feb. 28’s Gown Town event will offer dresses that average $25.

“It’s not [a new idea] but this is the first time that we’ve had something like this in this community,” Savage said. “Not everyone can afford full retail prices for prom or weddings or any other formal event so we are really glad to be meeting this need. It’s also great that these dresses that are worn one time are getting another life.”

Since 1998, the Junior League has committed itself to actively better communities and promote volunteerism and literacy. Its fundraising efforts have given thousands of books to multiple communities.

“In the three years I’ve been involved in this organization … it has taught me a lot about prioritizing events and activities that you feel passionate about,” Savage said. “Many times you join a service organization to meet people and you rarely get the opportunity to step into a leadership position where you can affect a lot of people. But this organization has allowed me to do that and [has] really changed me as a person. We hope [the Junior League] will continue to be an effective women’s organization and continue to make an impact on our community. We really hope to see more women and businesses join our organization.”