Remember your prom? That unforgettable night where friends gathered, the excitement built, and everyone got to feel like royalty for an evening. For many, it’s a cherished memory. But for those in the disabled community, that experience was often out of reach. Now, one special event is working to change that by offering the magic of prom to those with special needs.
Night to Shine, a special needs prom, is back for its second year in the Ohio Valley, aiming to give individuals with disabilities a chance to experience the joy, celebration, and glamour of prom night. This unique event is presented by the Tim Tebow Foundation in collaboration with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, providing an inclusive and unforgettable evening for all attendees.
“It’s a prom for our disabled community and we roll out the red carpet, literally,” co-chair Shari Prichard said. “They walk down the red carpet, there’s limo rides for them, there’s hair and nails.”
The event is designed to be a glamorous experience, where every guest is treated like a VIP. Upon arriving, each honored guest is greeted by a beautiful red carpet, making them feel like a star. Guests are also treated to limo rides, complete with professional hair and nail services. The event is all about making the participants feel special and celebrated, ensuring they have a night to remember.
To make the experience even more meaningful, each guest is paired with a “buddy” to spend the evening with, making sure everyone has someone to share the joy with. In addition, each participant is crowned as dance royalty, which adds to the sense of celebration and honor.
“Many of our disabled community never got to go to their proms,” Prichard said. “It never was an event that, unfortunately, they were able to participate in. So, this gives them that opportunity in a very safe environment that is designed especially for them.”
This thoughtful and inclusive approach is what makes Night to Shine stand out. It ensures that those with special needs get to experience the same excitement and joy that everyone else does on prom night. Unfortunately, many individuals in the disabled community never had the chance to attend a traditional prom due to various challenges. But thanks to the efforts of the Night to Shine event organizers, these individuals now have an opportunity to create their own unforgettable prom memories.
Registrations for Night to Shine have recently opened, and the organizers are urging the community to come together and support this amazing event. Volunteers, sponsors, and donations are all needed to make this special night possible.
“This is a community event,” co-chair Cookie West said. “So, we’re looking for the community’s support. If people would like to sponsor, they can send their checks to Crossroads North River Church.”
This event is open to people aged 14 and up, and organizers are excited to see a diverse group of individuals come together to dance, make memories, and enjoy the celebration.
“We have tons of adults, tons of people in every age group,” Prichard said. “And we are just so excited to get to celebrate with them.”
While the event is still a few months away, preparations are already underway. The big night is scheduled for February 7, and organizers are encouraging everyone who is interested to register early. The registration link is available on Crossroads North River Church’s Facebook page.
The Night to Shine special needs prom is not just an event—it’s a celebration of inclusion, joy, and community. It’s a night for everyone to experience the magic of prom, regardless of ability. By coming together and supporting this event, we can help create lasting memories for those who may not have had the opportunity to attend a traditional prom. So, mark your calendars and get ready to shine!
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