Queenie Be’s Mission of Connection Wraps Northwest Arkansas Teens in Prom Night Magic

At the center of Queenie Be’s work is a simple belief. When people are connected, lives change. That belief is the heartbeat behind Gownsational, a community powered initiative ensuring that every teen in Northwest Arkansas has the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and celebration of prom night. 

Founded by Rebecca Luther, known throughout the region as Queenie Be, Gownsational was born not from a business plan, but from listening. From hearing the quiet stories of parents doing their best, of teens pretending it did not matter, and of families carrying the weight of choosing between essentials and milestones. Queenie Be jumped in to begin what she does best, connecting people. 

“When I realized how many teens miss prom simply because of cost, I knew connection was the answer.” Luther explains. “ I simply needed to get formal gowns from the closets of those who would not be rewearing them, into the hands of teens who don't have one.” 

Now entering its third year, Gownsational has already donated nearly 700 prom gowns to teens in need across Northwest Arkansas. Through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations such as Dress for Success and the Children’s Safety Center, the initiative strives to ensure that no teen is overlooked and every young person that walks through the doors leaves with a gown that makes them feel confident and celebrated. 

Gownsational transforms donated gowns into an experience rooted in dignity and care. Teens are invited to shop for free formalwear in a welcoming, boutique style and judgement free environment. Looking ahead, the 2026 Gownsational event is scheduled for the Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at First National Bank on Steel Boulevard in Fayetteville, continuing the tradition of community, connection, and care. 

Through Queenie Be’s role as a community connector, dozens of local businesses have stepped forward to contribute far more than dresses. From dry cleaning and accessories to photography, gown transportation, and event support, each partnership represents another thread in a larger web of care that surrounds these teens. 

“This is what community looks like,” Luther said. “It is not charity. It is neighbors seeing one another and stepping in with open hands.” 

All monetary donations connected to the event will benefit Hup Of Hope NWA, extending the impact of prom night into long term support for those in need. 

To get a gown, to donate, or to volunteer, visit www.gownsational.com, find us on Facebook and insta as @gownsational, and @gownsationalnwa on TikTok

For inquiries, contact Rebecca Luther at [email protected]. 

Here are the locations that community members can go, to drop off dress donations, from Jan 2- February 27th (cut off date for gown donation): 

Smile Shoppe- SPRINGDALE ONLY 

Third Space Coffee 

AmeriTax Express 

The Tattoo Apothecary 

Goldfinch Tattoo 

GOAT Lab Brewery 

Chatterbox Dancewear Boutique 

The Haley Boutique