A prom, or any school-sponsored dance, is held with the intention of providing young people with the chance to develop social skills (while having a lot of fun, too). There should be plenty of room on every dance floor for all people – with and without disabilities. That’s why the Tim Tebow Foundation supports complimentary Night of Shine, inclusive proms, all over the world, with a special guest list inclusive of teens and adults with disabilities (age 14+). Most of the upcoming Night of Shine events are slated for Friday, February 10, 2023.
Night of Shine events vary but these inclusive proms often include a red-carpet entry, limousine rides, karaoke, a catered meal and, of course, lots of dancing. And because inclusion and equality are of utmost importance, every prom attendee is celebrated with an iconic king/queen crown. Events usually provide a respite room for parents and caregivers as well.
Founded by the popular football star, the Tim Tebow Foundation is a faith-based organization with numerous initiatives, including some that support the disability community. Night of Shine events, which began in 2015, are held at churches throughout the United States and worldwide. Thus, Night to Shine integrates a message about God’s love with an emphasis that everyone, including people with disabilities, desires to feel loved and valued.
For the past two years, due to the pandemic, Night of Shine events were primarily held virtually. This year, more than 600 host churches across 40+ different countries are set to host inclusive face-to-face gatherings.
“I’m so excited Night to Shine 2023 will be back in-person! All around the world, individuals with special needs are going to be celebrated like they should be. We’ve been able to adapt over the last couple years but we can’t wait to be back together in person to cheer for every guest as they walk the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, crown them as a king or queen of the prom and, most importantly, tell every single one of them that their life has purpose and they are loved by us and the God of this universe,” Tim Tebow shared in a press statement.
The Tim Tebow Foundation provides each host church with an official planning manual, personalized support from a Foundation staff member, the opportunity to apply for financial grants and access to additional event assets to create memorable inclusive proms. The Foundation also offers ongoing disability ministry resources through Shine On, a ministry complete with innovative resources, training and programs.
Correlating to Valentine’s Day, hundreds of events will simultaneously be held on February 10, 2023 (although some sites have different dates). If you or a loved one would like to attend one of these inclusive proms, visit this link to locate the nearest Night of Shine event.
