Special-needs adults dance at Night to Shine prom
Thousands of special-needs adults received full VIP treatment at Night to Shine special prom events at churches throughout Michigan, 47 other states, and six other countries Friday.
It was the second year for the events, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the former college and pro football quarterback.
At Warren Woods Baptist Church, more than 100 promgoers dressed in suits and dresses and sporting corsages walked a red carpet with cheering volunteer “paparazzi” snapping photos. Inside, volunteers fixed women’s hair and makeup and a professional photographer shot formal prom photos. The framed photos were presented to attendees in a “swag bag ” at the end of the event. A limousine company gave attendees short rides around town in style throughout the event.
Warren Woods Baptist Church Pastor Larry Allen thanked Night to Shine attendees.
“We’re doing this for a singular reason: God loves you, and he wants you to know that tonight,” he said.
Tebow appeared via a pro- jected video in the dance hall. “I hope you are having the best night,” he said, before naming every attendee Prom King and Queen, with each provided a crown.
Melissa Kiger, an organizer of the Warren church’s Night to Shine, said the Tebow Foundation contacted the church in November to gauge its interest in hosting the event.
“We wanted to show the love of Christ to a group of people who don’t always get a lot of love, who don’t always get to feel they are special,” she said.
More than 200 volunteers helped make the Warren Woods Baptist Church’s Night to Shine happen, serving as “buddies” to help attendees enjoy the night.
Tebow Foundation executive director Erik Dellenback, shared the vision behind Night to Shine. “The Tim Tebow Foundation wanted to create a brighter day for people with special needs. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience a prom where they feel loved and welcomed, and we pray this event will positively impact the lives of thousands of people across the country.”