Spartanburg First Baptist gives people with special needs a Night to Shine, VIP treatment

Special guests strolled down the red carpet with men wearing tuxedoes and women in their fancy best and ready to dance the night away.

The night was a chance for about 300 people to become the center of attention at the Night to Shine experience on Feb. 9 at Spartanburg First Baptist Church. Night to Shine is a national event hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation that provides a prom night for people 14 and older with special needs.

Larry McCullough, executive director of Spartanburg First Baptist Church, said the event is a special night for everyone, especially those who may have not experienced the prom.

"There are not a lot of opportunities for those with special needs to have a prom experience," McCullough said. "It's a night where we roll out the red carpet and give them the VIP treatment. We get to celebrate them throughout the whole night, and the community came out for us to support this."

History behind making everyone feel special on Night to Shine

Night to Shine was first introduced in 2015 by the Tim Tebow Foundation and is the Spartanburg First Baptist Church's fifth year hosting. This was the first year some attended but others have attended since the first year.

The event was a night nobody would forget, providing memorable experiences such as a red carpet, horse and carriage rides, karaoke, shoe shining and manicures, handmade corsages and boutonnieres, a photo booth and more.

Ashton Scruggs, 21, and Karsyn Sprouse, 20, attended the event as volunteers and said the event is a night to make people with special needs feel special.

"My sister has Down syndrome but isn't old enough to come to this event," Sprouse said. "I've been coming here since I was 14 to help volunteer. We're treating them like kings and queens tonight."

Everyone shines bright during Night to Shine

Avery West, 16, said she was having a lot of fun and let loose with her dance moves on the dance floor. West said she was looking forward to dancing all night, and the night made her feel great.

West was not the only participant who enjoyed jamming on the dance floor. People flooded the dance floor in their sparkling ballgowns and stunning suits, participating in slow dances, and line dances and singing along to their favorite songs.

Tommy Abel, 15, was showing off in his shiny, purple tuxedo and said he enjoyed meeting all the pretty women.

Tommy's father, Steve Abel, said Tommy looked forward to this event all month.

"Tommy has been looking forward to this forever," his father said. "His sister loved coming here, and it means an awful lot. He just loves life and has just really been looking forward to this night."

Peter Brown, 57, stood in line eagerly for the horse and carriage ride. He said it was one of the most exciting nights for him. He was overwhelmed with the fun activities and said he wanted to try them all and meet other people.

"I've really enjoyed coming (here)," Brown said. "The people, the DJ, doing the karaoke and doing everything."

At the end, all guests were crowned king and queen of the prom, allowing everyone to be a part of something memorable while celebrating in unity.

Danielle Johnson, 39, said this was her third to fourth year attending Night to Shine, and dancing is always her favorite thing to do.

Wayne Maynor was Johnson's volunteer buddy of the evening and said the smile on everyone's face made the evening special.

"To see the smile and laughter," Maynor said. "They deserve this special time, and I'm glad that I was able to be a part of it."

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Night to Shine lets adults with special needs walk red carpet, dance