Night to Shine, a prom night for people with special needs and disabilities, was held Friday, Feb. 10, at the Community Christian Fellowship (CCF) in Siloam Springs. The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors this event across the country. Siloam Springs had the support of many volunteers from John Brown University and CCF members.
Night to Shine is a worldwide celebration of people with physical and mental disabilities. The event had over 100 guests from all over the Northwestern Arkansas area. Each guest was welcomed with a red-carpet entrance, professional photography, and a royal crowning ceremony.
The volunteers from JBU and CCF played a critical role in making the event a success. They served as buddies for the guests, escorting them to the dance floor, assisting with hair and makeup, and ensuring everyone had an enjoyable night.
One of the volunteers, junior Lesly Valenzuela, was a buddy at the event and shared her thoughts on the experience: “Being a buddy at Night to Shine was an unforgettable experience. It was truly an honor to be a part of something so special and to see the joy on the guests’ faces. They were all so excited, and it was amazing to see how much they were enjoying themselves. I loved every moment of it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
The guests received a night filled with music, food, drinks, and light shows that added to the festive atmosphere. The dance floor was packed all night long. Everyone had the chance to dance to the rhythm of the music.
The event was not only a celebration of people with disabilities, but it was also a celebration of the community.