By: Michelle Larscheid
On Friday, February 11, Jenna Hale rushed home from school with excitement and put on a very special dress. Her mom, Charlotte Hale, fixed her hair and make-up. On the way out the door, she took photos with her dad and then they drove to the local YMCA. What Jenna was about to experience was a "Night to Shine".
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Celebrated annually through church hosts around the world simultaneously on the Friday before Valentine’s Day each year, this event has established itself as an official invitation for people with special needs and their families to find a community of support through their local church and the volunteers who welcome them with open, loving arms.
"So many people came out to celebrate Jenna and the other kids participating in Night to Shine," said Charlotte. "She received both a crown and corsage and had her picture taken with princesses and Spider-Man. She danced out of the sunroof of the car the whole time! She received a swag bag and a meal from Jimmy Johns. We then went to get ice cream and ran into another Night to Shine family. We finally drove home and turned on the virtual dance party which was live streaming. We danced a little in the living room and called it a night. It was a great night and we had so much fun celebrating Jenna. She loved all the attention and wants to do it again for her birthday. I love everything about this night."
This year, the Night to Shine event was held in all 50 states and in 33 countries around the world.
"Night to Shine is a night where people with special needs shine, are told that they matter, and that God has a plan for their life."
Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow Foundation
If you are interested in having your SMS child participate in Night to Shine 2023 or you would like to volunteer, you can get more information at www.timtebowfoundation.org.