By Brenda Higgins
Imagine being in a world where most people never get to experience one extra special night a year and the day revolves around you. Being treated to beautiful clothes and having your hair and makeup done along with having your nails polished, party dresses for the ladies and a suit for the gentlemen with jewelry and purses to complete the outfit. Taking a ride in a limousine and being swept away to a gorgeous venue where a beautifully catered meal awaits your arrival. There’s music, lights, party favors, cookies and brownies, balloon animals, popcorn and all are for your desire. Pictures being taken, paparazzi everywhere, dancing until you can dance no more having a “buddy” with you all night to cater to your wants and needs and to dance every dance alongside you. A walk down the red carpet, being crowned King or Queen and receiving a gift bag prepared just for you, and a mesmerizing balloon drop. Now imagine if you can, experience this as a person with special needs.
That’s what happened in Pendleton County on Friday night, February 10, 2023. Trinity Southern Baptist Church along with Broken Arrow Farms and many volunteers, made dreams come true for 66 guests from Pendleton, Bracken and Campbell Counties. As you can only imagine an event like this takes close to a year to plan and prepare for, to get guests, volunteers, do-nations and party favors and this is the county’s third year of hosting Night To Shine.
Night To Shine is a worldwide endeavor created by Tim Tebow. One night a year all across the world, people with special needs are treated like royalty and are reminded that they are loved by God. Several years ago Tebow created the Tim Tebow foundation to show the love God has for those with special needs and disabilities. One of his main focuses was reassuring them that they were made in God’s image and to give the special needs community a night that held value and significance.
In 2015 the first Night To Shine was held in 44 churches in 26 states and in three countries with 15,000 volunteers coming together to honor 7,000 guests. Each year has reaped more and more guests to the extent that in 2020 there were 721 churches from 36 different denominations in all 50 states and 34 countries along with 215,000 volunteers to serve and celebrate 110,000 honored guests with special needs. (Isn’t God amazing?).
Trinity and Broken Arrow Farms has been blessed enough to host and participate in the Night To Shine prom for three years, but not without all of the many donations of so many generous people, companies and businesses. I would not even attempt to list them all for fear of missing someone.
When I spoke with one of the buddies, Tim Cummins, he had this to say about his first time volunteering to be a buddy to one of the honored guests, Caleb Sydnor.
“I was approached by someone and asked if I would like to be a buddy at a prom.” My first question was, “What is Night To Shine? Once I got the explanation, I jumped with a quick yes at the opportunity.”
When Cummins was asked why, he stated that Caleb had a special place in his heart.
Cummins transported Caleb for 12 years and they grew a bond. Now, Caleb cleans the school bus, mows grass and rakes leaves for Cummins, who spoke highly about Caleb and his work. About the experience he stated, “It was great and I hope I get asked to do it again next year.”
Why does little ol' Falmouth, Kentucky get involved? Pastor Abram Crozier addressed that question with the following, “Friday night was the best of our community on display! From the local venue to local caterers to our local law enforcement, to our volunteers, everyone came together to make this night special. Being able to see the faces of our Kings and Queens light up as they were loved and celebrated…knowing each one of them is being shown the truth that they are significant, valuable and loved…it’s hard not to be emotional about it.” He went on saying, “We’re thankful to be one of only 730 churches worldwide to host this event right here in Pendleton County.”
This reporter has been blessed to be involved in the Night To Shine since the beginning and to be a part of something this magnificent, is such a heart touching experience, full of beautiful memories. I personally will cherish forever.
A special thank you to Sherrie Garner Peters and team for bringing Night To Shine 2023 to life.