Creating an unforgettable prom night for people with special needs
On one incredible night over the Valentine’s Day Weekend, thousands of incredible people around the world were able to “shine on.”
Through the assistance of the Tim Tebow Foundation – along with the sponsors of and the volunteers for each respective event, there was a worldwide movement celebrating God’s love for people with special needs – and the value of life – through a Night to Shine – an unforgettable prom night experience for those ages 16 and older.
In just its second year, Night to Shine has experienced 400% growth, and this year was hosted in more than 200 locations in 48 states across the entire nation and in eight countries around the world. Over 70,000 volunteers made sure that the more than 32,000 guests were all able to share in the same amazing prom experience on the same night around the world.
This year’s Night to Shine was celebrated on Friday, February 12. And Mountain Lake was well-represented at one of the proms. At the prom at the Bethesda Lutheran Community in Watertown, Wisconsin, former Mountain Lake resident Ashley (Karschnik) Standerwick, who serves in Strategic Partnership for the Watertown location, enlisted Mountain Lake’s Marilyn Stoesz, of The Matchless Gift, to provide boutonnieres for the men attending the special evening.
Explains Standerwick, “Last year my husband (Bryan) and I had attended a prom like Night to Shine called Snowflake Ball, sponsored by Joni and Friends. While at that ball I said Bethesda should be apart of an event like this for the people we support and the community members around Watertown with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was a great way for EVERYONE to Shine and most importantly for Christ to Shine! This will be an annual event that Bethesda and the sponsoring churches will host in Watertown. And Marilyn’s flowers made everyone look amazing.”
As for Stoesz’s response to being a part of the event, she shares that, “I was so honored and blessed. There was one mom at the Night to Shine who I saw had a beaming smile on her face as she looked at her daughter. She told me she never thought her daughter would have the opportunity to select a gown and attend a prom. Everyone needs to feel important.”
The Tim Tebow Foundation provides each host up to $8,500, in addition to a detailed prom manual and prom kit full of special decorations and gifts for guests.
The guests receive the royal treatment from start-to-finish of the evening’s activities – with every one of the Night to Shine honorees crowned as Kings (or Queens) of the Prom – complete with crowns and tiaras.
From hair and makeup stations, to shoe shines, to corsages and boutonnieres, walking the red carpet to the cheers of the crowd and photographed by friendly paparazzi – the night is all about the guests.
The night is geared to be a time of joy and fun, with dancing and karaoke, allowing the attendees to feel empowered to completely be themselves as they dance and sing the night away.
Moving beyond the special night, the hope is that it can be used as a kick-off to continued ministry within the special needs community.
Tim Tebow played college football for the University of Florida. In 2007, he became the first college sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He was on BCS National Championship-winning teams with the Florida Gators during the 2006 and 2008 college football seasons. A free agent quarterback, Tebow has played for the Denver Broncos, who drafted him in the 2010 National Football League Draft, as well as the New York Jets, New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition, he works for ESPN as a college football analyst on the SEC (Southeastern Conference) and is an inspirational speaker. The Night to Shine is just one of the outreach events the Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors. The foundation’s stated mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.
The Watertown Night to Shine host, the Bethesda Lutheran Community, is a Christian organization that provides homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bethesda, a 111-year-old organization, is represented in 14 states across the country. Minnesota has three such communities – in Victoria, Blaine and Coon Rapids. Bethesda creates connections that support people on their journey to live the best life possible. Those they support live their lives as they choose in an environment where they learn, grow and connect. Bethesda helps those they support connect with their communities. Through these connections, they are empowered to make choices that grow into a greater independence that enables them to continue their journey to live the best life possible. Bethesda is committed to enabling the people they support grow their faith, while discovering welcoming, fully-inclusive congregational communities where they can connect with others. Bethesda’s array of services includes homes, day programs, employment supports, faith supports, camps and educational supports.
Together – the Tim Tebow Foundation, sponsors and volunteers – create each Night to Shine to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual guest by providing an unforgettable night where they are welcomed, valued and loved.
Check out this video to catch the spirit of Night To Shine.
To learn more and see all of those that are a part of this worldwide movement, check out the Tim Tebow Foundation.
