SAN ANTONIO -- In a quick weekend engagement, the Brides Against Breast Cancer tour will bring a truckload of donated gowns that brides-to-be can snap up at deep discounts. Proceeds benefit women and men battling advanced stages of breast cancer.

Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation is sponsoring the event Saturday and Sunday at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa at 23808 Resort Pkwy.

Event organizers said shoppers will be able to find all styles of designer gowns from $200 and up. The bulk of the gowns will be priced between $400 and $600, many of which retail at $1000 or more. Manufacturers, designers, retailers and individuals donate the dresses.

"Most of those dresses are donated to our organization brand new, so we reduce them in price 35 to 75 percent and take them on tour," tour director Brenda Chovanak said.

The two-day event offers brides a chance to find the dress of their dreams at an affordable price, and help make dreams come true for people with stage 4 breast cancer. Because the hotel space is donated and volunteers staff the event, the charity claims 100 percent of the proceeds are used for educational efforts and to provide a dose of joy to those with the disease by granted wishes.

"Sadly, because the way the stats are, most of the wish recipients have small children, and they don't want them to remember mom or dad as being sick," Chovanak said. "So we send them off to do something fun. (We get) lots of requests for Disneyland and Disney World."

Some of the wishes are simpler. Chovanak said one woman recently requested a new washing machine so she wouldn't have to carry her laundry to the laundromat.

About 1,000 gowns, ranging from size 4 to 24, are expected at the Brides Against Breast Cancer sale. Chovanak encouraged brides to bring the bridal entourage and make a fun day of it. Dressing areas will be provided. For those who may be dressing room shy, Chovanak advised they wear a tight-fitting leotard or something they can slip the dress over.

The event is free during general sale hours: Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who want the first shot at the gowns can pay $20 admission and get in between 10 a.m. and noon Saturday. Consumers may pay at the door or visit www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org and register before arrival.

The Brides Against Breast Cancer is on a 50-city tour, selling gowns and raising money. Credit cards will be accepted.