Night to Shine special for all the right reasons
Every effort is taken to make Night to Shine perfect, including bringing in professional hair stylists, shoe shining and more.
If someone were to get paid for each smile, each sound of laughter and every joyful moment that takes place during the Tim Tebow Foundation Night to Shine, they would be a millionaire.
Yet on second thought, when a person’s heart soars and sings praises of joy and gratitude because their child with special needs is having the time of their life, it may be worth millions.
The third annual Holmes County Night to Shine will take place Friday, Feb. 7 at Grace Church in Berlin, and as volunteers begin to prepare the red carpet, blow up a plethora of colorful balloons, and create fun games and a magical night, each individual is counting down the days in anticipation so great that according to event coordinator Kim Miller of Holmes County Board of Developmental, when one event ends, they start anticipating the next.
“For those who have been here, it’s an experience they’ll never forget,” Miller said. “For those who haven’t, we hope you’ll join us, even if it’s just to encourage the individuals as they arrive on the red carpet. It is an evening that is incredibly touching to everyone who attends.”
Night to Shine was create by former NFL and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, who wanted to create something that would honor and celebrate his sister, who has special needs.
What was once an idea has become a global sensation, and now Night to Shine events take place around the world.
While it is designed for individuals with special needs, Night to Shine has a way of touching the lives of everyone involved, from parents and caregivers to volunteers and everyone who attends.
First and foremost, Night to Shine presents each individual with special needs with a chance to be king or queen for the night. It is an evening designed specifically to make each individual feel as though they are the most important person in the world at that very moment.
One parent said of the evening that hearing the cheers for her son as he walked the red carpet was an overwhelming experience, not just for her son, but also for her. She said seeing her son experience the celebration and enjoyment was a gift like no other, stating it felt like a taste of heaven where disabilities didn’t exist.
Night to Shine offers parents of individuals with special needs a chance to commune, dine and relax for an evening out that often isn’t available to them.
One parent said with a child with special needs, there is often little time to relax. Night to Shine gave her that moment because she knew her child was not only expertly cared for, but also having a blast.
“That parents and caregivers can come together, relax, and eat and make connections with others who are experiencing life in a similar way is a very important part of this event,” Miller said. “That evening of respite is so valuable to them, and it brings people together.”
Other parents have said witnessing the joy of the evening created in them a drive to face their own challenges, whether that meant financial burdens, physical ailments or daily struggles in life.
Others have said the event instilled in them a new passion for their faith, both in people and their creator.
Night to Shine has brought many people to tears of joy, seeing how much of an impact it has on every individual who walks the red carpet with their buddy by their side, as countless volunteers cheer them on.
“Night to Shine has touched so many lives in so many unique and beautiful ways,” Miller said.
From the red carpet walk to the finale, a true crowning achievement for each individual, the night is packed with purpose. From special photos and a meal to games, karaoke, dancing, professional hairstylists, shoe shining, limo rides, balloon animals and gift bags at the end of the evening, Night to Shine does just that, shine.
Guests and volunteers may register for this free event by visiting www.nighttoshinehc.org, and there will be choices listed for a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Each year organizers invite anyone who wants to make the red-carpet arrival moment special to line the red carpet to cheer on and encourage guests, making them the focal point of their arrival as their names are announced.
One change from the past is anyone who wants to cheer along the red carpet may do so simply by showing up and receiving a wristband.
“We want to completely fill the red-carpet event and make it super-special for the guests, so by doing this, we can invite a lot more people to come and cheer and welcome them to Night to Shine,” Miller said. “That is such an exciting time for them, and it sets the stage for the rest of the night.”
Anyone with questions about volunteering can call Miller at the HCBDD at 330-674-8045. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation may do so by sending it to Grace Church, 5858 County Road 77, Berlin, OH 44610.