For the fourth year in a row, the Tim Tebow Foundation is hosting the “Night to Shine” event, and 2018 promises to be the biggest yet. “Night to Shine” partners with local churches to provide a prom night to people of all ages with Down Syndrome and other special needs. There are already over 500 churches in 50 states and 16 countries that have committed to hosting events– an increase from the 375 churches that hosted this year.
The emphasis of the event is to help each person attending realize that they are special and loved. They enter on a red carpet, with volunteers cheering for them, and accompanying attendees. There are hair and makeup stations, limo rides, karaoke, and of course, dancing. During the night, each of the individuals is crowned King or Queen. Tim Tebow also makes surprise visits to as many of the events as possible.
Tebow says his inspiration for helping those with special needs came from an encounter he had when he was a missionary kid in the Philippines. While visiting a remote village, he met Sherwin, a boy with backwards feet whose village considered him cursed. His heart went out to Sherwin, and after interacting with him, a seed was planted in him that later led him to found the Tim Tebow Foundation. “Night to Shine” is just one of the many projects that the Foundation facilitates.
This is so much more than a prom, it is a time to celebrate people, to celebrate life and to tell each King and Queen that they have great purpose and value.
The 2018 Night to Shine will take place on February 9th. The Foundation anticipates that over 90,000 individuals will attend the events around the world.
