A night to remember: First Baptist Church hosts annual Night to Shine

by Jackson Carlstrom, Editor-In-Chief

First Baptist Church hosted its annual Night to Shine event on February 9, and this year’s Night to Shine was a resounding success. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is a special prom night dedicated to people with special needs, ages 14 and over. The event saw the participation of over 100 guests, each of whom experienced a night of joy and celebration.

Night to Shine is more than just a prom for its attendees; it is an event that showcases love and acceptance at its core. Guests at the event were greeted with a grand red-carpet entrance, complete with the excitement of a roaring crowd cheering them on. The evening featured a vibrant dance floor, limousine rides, hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, karaoke, games, and much more. To add to the splendor of the event, each guest was honored with a crown or tiara, symbolizing their statuses as kings and queens of the night.

GSW student Lanie Biery serves as a Buddy at the 2024 Night to Shine.

Photo provided by First Baptist Church.

First Baptist Church’s involvement in Night to Shine is part of a much larger picture. In 2024, Night to Shine was hosted by 725 churches across 56 countries, reflecting its wide-reaching impact. This global initiative, driven by the Tim Tebow Foundation, aims to bring communities together to celebrate people with special needs, emphasizing their value and significance.

There were over 100 volunteers at this year’s Night to Shine, including many GSW students. Volunteer roles included serving as Buddies, who were assigned to a guest to stick with throughout the evening, set-up team, sensory team, makeup artists, cameramen, and more.

Guests enjoy the dance floor with their Buddies.

Photo submitted by First Baptist Church.

“Night to Shine is always a memorable experience time and time again. From being a buddy on the dance floor to witnessing the joy and celebration, it all comes together to create such a heartwarming and memorable experience,” Heidi Anderson said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see everyone’s uniqueness and beauty honored in such a vibrant way. It’s those moments of shared happiness and connection that really make Night to Shine so special.”

The Night to Shine event serves as a beacon of hope and inclusivity, offering a unique experience where the attendees are not only accepted but celebrated for who they are. It’s a reminder of the beauty in diversity and the joy that comes from embracing all members of our community. This event, under the aegis of the Tim Tebow Foundation, continues to grow each year, touching more lives and bringing communities together.