Celebrating Night to Shine Prom in a New Way
“You will shine like stars in the sky.” (Philippians 2:15)
Hope Residence, a disability care community, hosted a virtual Night to Shine Prom for residents this year while taking into consideration the COVID-19 restrictions. The annual event is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs. The above scripture verse highlights the fact that all of God’s children have the opportunity to shine. The Night to Shine Prom does this for those with special needs.
“I had too much fun. It was all my favorite,” said Christina K., a Hope resident.
Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, donated goody bags featuring flowers, crowns, T-shirts, treats, and gift cards. In addition to participating in the dance virtually with music from the Night to Shine Prom event, Hope residents were able to partake in several special prom festivities. The event included a crowning ceremony where each honored guest was crowned a king or queen of the prom.
“I liked dancing with the staff,” shared Jimann C., Hope resident.
Residents enjoyed a catered meal from Northside Grill, dressed up in donated prom dresses, and had their hair or makeup done. In addition, many residents wore tiaras or crowns and had flowers pinned to their shirts.
“The dress I wore was my favorite,” said Sarah R., a Hope resident.
Festivities included karaoke, a photo booth, an ice cream sundae bar, and decorated living areas.
“The residents had a fun time,” said Megan Lambrecht, therapeutic recreation director at Hope. “It was different for those who had never gone to a prom before or had the opportunity to dress up. We hope to be able to return to the in-person event next year.”
Did you know? Night to Shine is a global event. In 2020, more than 110,000 kings and queens were celebrated in more than 34 countries!
“With this year’s event being a virtual prom, we were able to crown more kings and queens than in previous years when the event was offsite,” shared Debra Wilbright, the director of disability services at Hope. “The event was timely, bringing fun and joy into our community for both the residents and the team members.”