'Night to Shine' gives locals with disabilities a prom to remember
SPRING LAKE — Sammi Huffman walked into the French Academy of Cosmetology, ready for her hair and makeup appointment. She was the first to arrive, excited to get ready for prom.
"Night To Shine" was launched in 2015 by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The worldwide prom night experience is geared toward young adults with special needs and hosted by various churches.
Lake Church in Fruitport started hosting Night To Shine in 2017. It continued Friday, Feb. 9.
“As someone with special needs, it’s hard,” said Ally Shepard, event coordinator. “You don’t necessarily get a high school experience all the time or you may not get something specifically geared towards your disabilities."
Attendance grew by 40 from last year, totaling 115. Dresses and suits were donated and the French Academy of Cosmetology provided free hair, makeup and nails for participants. Eighteen attendees took advantage of those services.
“Honestly, just being here for them is how it benefits me,” Madisyn Comstock said. “Obviously we’re getting our hours, which is the benefit no matter how you look at it, but really, it’s just being able to have the experience and work with people with different backgrounds and having a diverse clientele and having this specific event. This is really fun.”
Comstock is a student at the academy, planning to graduate at the beginning of the summer.
Lyn VanTol, mother of Kylee VanTol, said they plan their vacation around Night to Shine.
Lyn, along with many other moms, expressed their gratitude for the academy.
“They are bringing so much joy and experiences that many of these queens don’t typically get,” Lyn said. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful act of service.”
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Kylee expressed how much she loves hanging out with her friends. She's attended Night to Shine for the past 10 years.
“I love to dance,” said Huffman, a sixth-year attendee. “If I had to choose, the best song to dance to would be ‘Cupid Shuffle.’”
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: 'Night to Shine' gives locals with disabilities a prom to remember
