Limousine after limousine pulls up as Delaware prepares to hosts its first ever Night to Shine! Night to Shine is a prom for special needs children. It's held in 375 churches nationwide, including Church of Christ in Ocean View.
Spectacular activities are planned, including singing, dancing, getting makeovers, and posing in the photo booth! Children are given glow sticks that light up the dancefloor. They are also presented with crowns, acknowledging them as the kings and queens they are.
The special needs children are assigned buddies for the night. These buddies are volunteers helping out with the event. Gregg Wilgus, Preacher at Church of Christ, states, "We had so many people who wanted to volunteer."
Night to Shine is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Although Tebow could not physically make the event, he still found a way to show up. Tebow is on a video projection screen talking to the children. He tells them that they are created "in love, by love, for love, to do amazing things."
These guests of honor shared their thoughts on the night.
Suzie Schaible tells us that her favorite parts are "dancing and getting out with some of the friends."
Brad Rankin states, "Everything was fun, I enjoyed it!"
Paige Howe thanks her mom and step-dad for supporting her, and says, "I think we all need to strive to be the best we can be like Tim Tebow said, because we are all God's children."
It's wonderful to see the community coming together to celebrate, love, and support people with special needs. This event was held on February 10 and it took place in all 50 states. On behalf of WRDE, we already look extremely forward to attending next year!