Osgood Teams Joy McWilliams Volunteered in “Night to Shine”
Night to Shine is a prom style event created by the Tim Tebow Foundation to celebrate people with special needs. The purpose is to acknowledge people who are different and often undervalued in society and to honor their real value in the Kingdom of God. During Night to Shine these men and women have a chance to be loved on by volunteers who come together to treat them to a special night out. The evening starts with some pampering of each guest including hair, makeup, shoe shines, flowers, and photos. The guests and their dates or “buddies” travel to the prom in limos where volunteers have literally rolled out the red carpet for their arrival and greet the guests in paparazzi-like fashion. Inside the guests are treated to a fancy gourmet meal and entertained with dancing, karaoke and carnival games. The pinnacle of the evening is when each guest goes up on stage and is crowned as “King” or ”Queen” of the prom as a symbolic confirmation of their identity in Christ.
There are currently only 6 churches in Colorado that host a Night to Shine event. This is only the 2nd year for Southeast Christian Church in Parker to host the event. This year there were over 200 men and women with special needs ages 16 and up who attended. So, what does it take to pull an event like this off? Lots of time, money, and over 750 volunteers from the church and surrounding community. It was amazing to see such an outpouring of love from so many people who wanted to serve and make this event a success!
I became involved with Night to Shine personally because I attend Southeast Christian Church. I had heard from leadership and those who were a part of it in the past what an awesome event it was. Many said it was “life changing” – and not just for the guests, but for those who served as well. So, it was easy to decide this year that it was something I wanted to be a part of. And, life changing and impactful it was! Even though my intent was to step up and do something good for someone else, the real benefactor was me!
