BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — It's almost time to get dressed at Rio Revolution Church in Maryville.
That's because Second Chance Prom Ministry is getting ready to host its 12th annual formal wear event on Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. until noon.
During the event, the sanctuary will be transformed into a showroom with prom dresses, wedding gowns, dress pants and dress shirts. People will be able to shop for these items for free.
Ministry Partner and Blount County Commissioner Jessica Hannah said the idea for the event came about during a small group meeting at the church.
Hannah said she, along with Ministry Leader Kristina Killebrew and another Ministry Partner, Ashley Fontenot, decided to start collecting dresses after that meeting.
The rest is history.
"We offer everything free, from tanning to dresses, to pictures and hair," Hannah said. "Just whatever is needed."
There's also menswear available at the event.
Hannah said it's helpful for people who plan to attend to sign up online for the event and the first 100 people who show up will receive a goodie bag with extras that are helpful for formal events, like jewelry and nail polish.
Second Chance Prom Ministry helps alleviate the cost of formal events for people because the dresses are free. People who utilize the ministry are encouraged to return the formal wear after their events are over.
"We think everyone should have the opportunity to feel special and look amazing, on their night," Hannah said. "We just want everyone to have an opportunity, no matter the cost or the obstacle. If you go out and buy a prom dress you're spending $200 to $300, so the expense can be really burdensome to a lot of families."
Killebrew said the volunteers who help with the event are integral to its success.
"I really say it's the community loving on the community," she said.
She also said a volunteer was recently able to use one of Second Chance Prom Ministry's dresses for her own wedding.
Killebrew said the volunteer offered to help get the dresses arranged by size, and shared that her fiancé had recently been diagnosed with an illness. With medical bills on the horizon, the volunteer asked to borrow a wedding dress and was able to cut that cost out of their nuptials.
There are dresses for everyone too, in all size ranges, Killebrew said.
"Our dresses are inclusive, so we have all kinds of sizes from one range, to all the way up," she said.
Killebrew said people will be paired with a personal stylist to help alleviate the stress of shopping, and that family is welcome to join people while they shop.
"Everyone's special and beautiful feels different," Killebrew said. "We have more than 3,000 dresses (to choose from)."
Beauty vendors, like SunTan City, will also be participating. District Manager Noah Boudreau said the business is excited to partner with such an important cause.