URBANA – You don't have to be a student to create prom memories is the idea behind a fundraiser for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank sponsored by Paramount Staffing.

The "Prom Benefit for Hunger Relief," in its second year, is set for 7 p.m. to midnight March 27 at Kennedy's at Stone Creek Banquet Center, 2600 Stone Creek Blvd., U.

Lorianne Bauer, branch manager for Paramount, has set the goal higher this year with good reason.

"Last year we sold 135 tickets, and 85 people came. This year we hope to sell 200 tickets and get at least 170 people to the event because every dollar we make will buy about 10 times that amount in food," Bauer said.

So why a prom?

"I love a good excuse to get dressed up and have fun, and you can do it without it being too expensive. I bought a vintage dress and am having it redesigned. It'll be like in 'Pretty in Pink,'" she said of patterning the redesign idea on what Molly Ringwald's character did to create her dress.

The event is for 21 and older. Tickets include heavy hors d'oeuvres from a variety of area restaurants, dessert and music from the 1960s through today by Kris Ehler of E Entertainment. Activities include dancing, official photographs, naming of the First State Bank prom king and queen and a 50/50 raffle with two Air Tran Airways domestic round-trip tickets as the grand prize.

Raffle tickets are 6 for $5, 12 for $10 or a full double arm-span for $20. With each $20 purchase, the buyer gets a gold ticket that goes into the drawing for the airline tickets. All other tickets can be placed in a receptacle by the door prize they would most like to take home or split among several choices.

"I really enjoyed seeing all the dress and the throwback attire," said Joella Gher of Game Day Spirit, who admitted choosing a short, flirty, strappy dress for last year's event held at the VFW Hall in Champaign. "People got very creative with their prom outfits. The DJ was great, and I had a great time dancing."

Tickets are $35 apiece, $65 a couple, $240 for a table of eight and $300 for a table of 10 (only four available).

"Everyone gets a seat. It's something I insisted on when organizing this," Bauer said. "I don't want to stand all evening and I want somewhere to leave my things while I'm dancing. I think most people would like that, although it's not always possible at some events. It's all about being comfortable for me and the people who will take part."

For some last year, it was all about reliving the prom experience in addition to contributing to a good cause.

"Our group followed all the traditions, including a limo for the evening, provided by Neil Browne, one of the six people in our group," said Marjorie Williams, broker with RE/MAX Choice Champaign, who bought a black, beaded dress from a consignment shop for her prom wear. "We even tooled around town afterward, just like the good ol' days! What a flash from the past!"

Tickets are available at http://www.eifoodbank.org/prombenefit or by check at the food bank, 2405 North Shore Drive, U.

"Expect everything from prom, bridesmaids' dresses and formals for the gals and tuxedos and suits for guys in up-to-date or retro styles," Bauer said of the evening's attire. "But anything dressy or a shirt and tie are acceptable, too."

If you go

What: Prom Benefit for Hunger in support of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
When: 7 p.m. to midnight March 27.
Where: Kennedy's at Stone Creek Banquet Center, 2600 Stone Creek Blvd., U.
Prom theme: "Sunset on Green."
Prom song: "Imagine" by John Lennon.
Tickets: $35, single; $65, couple; $240, table of 8; $300, table of 10.
Information: http://www.eifoodbank.org/prombenefit or at the Eastern Illinos Foodbank, 2405 North Shore Drive, U.