Special needs prom gives kids a ‘Night to Shine’
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Carlie, a Night to Shine guest, reacts as the crowd cheers and waves along the red carpet that leads to the dance floor.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Patty Fulton, left, looks in the mirror after having her makup done by Katie Popelas, a volunteer at the Night to Shine event at the Bible Chapel in McMurray.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Jesse Drugmand has a boutonniere pinned to his lapel by his volunteer buddy, Joey Ackerman.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Chloe Kondrich gets her hair curled and makeup applied by volunteers before the start of the Night to Shine.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Live performance painter Cody Sabol paints a portrait of Tim Tebow during a break in the dancing.
About 330 honored guests were shown the royal treatment Feb. 9 at the Bible Chapel.
Limousines marked the arrival of the VIPs, who were greeted by cheers as they made their way down the red carpet. Inside, while they weren’t dancing or singing along to karaoke, guests were treated to hair and makeup services, shoeshines and prom favors.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Virginia Griffin, left, dances with her buddy for the night, Susie Grasky, during the Night to Shine Prom.
“It is the best night of the year at the church,” said Scott Arvay, associate pastor of the Bible Chapel.
For the third year, the church, located at 300 Gallery Drive in McMurray, served as one of more than 500 churches to host a “Night to Shine.” Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the event provides a free prom experience for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. According to the foundation, more than 175,000 volunteers worked to create memories for 90,000 people with special needs across 17 countries.
At the Bible Chapel, 640 volunteers gave their time to the event, said Jaclyn Royall, director of the church’s special needs ministry. Volunteers lined the red carpet to welcome guests, worked in food service, provided pampering, worked the photo booth, registered guests and worked in the respite area, where parents and caregivers could take a break, watch a movie and eat a meal.
“They appreciate it. In case there’s an issue — a lot of people have high medical needs — the families can get that break but still be here in the building,” Royall said.
In addition, one-on-one “buddies” acted as escorts to guests.
“They are there to make sure guests have a great night,” said Royall.
Last year, the church hosted about 200 guests, and the year before, about 140.
“It has really taken off,” said Royall. “Every guest is crowned king and queen. They get to walk down the red carpet. Tim Tebow sends a video (to play) when the crowning happens. It’s a huge highlight. Girls are screaming when they see him in the video.”
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Colton Vazquez peers into a limo that he is about to climb into and take a ride to the red carpet entrance.
Not only do volunteers make the event possible, but area businesses contribute to the success. Most services, such as the DJ, karaoke, photography and limo rides, are free or offered at a greatly reduced price. And restaurants like Pasta Too, the SpringHouse and Armstrong’s donate food.
“It’s neat that the whole community rallies around it,” Avery said.
The event is a natural extension of the church’s special needs ministry, he added.
“It’s a great way to reach out beyond our walls into the community, and let people know those with special needs are welcome here,” he said. “Church is a place where families who have special needs feel unwelcome. We’re hoping to break that barrier.”
For information on Night to Shine, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.