A Night to Shine at Eastside Community Church

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

Feb. 12—Everyone deserves a chance to shine.

It's for this reason that Richmond's own Eastside Community Church had the honor of hosting its second Night to Shine event this past weekend, giving those with special needs a prom experience they will never forget.

Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with special needs who are aged 14 and older. The event is hosted on the same day by local churches around the world, in collaboration with the Tim Tebow Foundation.

The event was organized by Bree Turner, the Special Needs Ministry Coordinator for Eastside Community Church, who recognized a need in the community and felt called to meet it.

According to Turner, the aim of Night to Shine, and the goal of Eastside Community Church, in hosting this event is to "provide an unforgettable night for a community that can often be forgotten."

She remarked, "It exists to help make the gospel known to people that sometimes don't get to hear it."

Night to Shine events can include different services or experiences, but the one hosted by Eastside Community Church offered each attendee hair and makeup services, shoe shining, and a catered meal.

Guests were treated to a limo ride, walked into the dance on a red carpet, and enjoyed a fun night of karaoke and dancing.

The best part? Everyone got to experience being prom royalty and received their own crown.

Turner excitedly reported that the event had grown quite a bit from the year before with 140 guests in attendance and over 400 volunteers, including the Eastern Kentucky University cheer team.

"This event doubled in size from last year. We are continuing to grow our special needs ministry right here in Central Kentucky, and it truly is such an honor to be able to lead this event," she said.

Volunteers were able to fulfill roles such as coat checking, hair, and makeup, limo attendants, and decorating. Organizers reported that one of the most special jobs, however, was getting to be a buddy, or someone who stays with a guest throughout the evening.

Turner commented, "My hope is that every guest felt known, loved, beautiful, full of joy and that they know the God that created them loves them! Night to Shine is an unforgettable evening as joy is just overflowing our building."

More information on Night to Shine can be found at timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine/.