CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) This year’s ‘Night to Shine’ special needs prom is February 8 at Clarksville’s Community of Hope Church. It provides for teens and adults, who might otherwise not have the opportunity, a chance to make prom memories.
Now in its third year, ‘A Night to Shine’ is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and celebrates people of all ages with special needs.
The free event includes a limousine ride, a walk on the red carpet, food, and dancing. All special guests are crowned prom kings and queens.
This night of fun is made possible by hundreds of volunteers and community supporters. Currently volunteers are needed to make this year’s event the best ever.
“We need buddies,” said Chrisie Brown, who is coordinating the event along with her husband Leighton. “Our buddies are the dates for our guests, and we want them all to be dressed for prom so we’re also seeking donations of formal wear, especially plus size prom dresses and men’s formal wear.”
Among the volunteers returning for the 2019 event is the Clarksville High Girls Softball team, which makes an extra effort every year and, according to Leighton, the team has as much fun as the honored guests.
“This pains me as a Northeast High alum but the CHS girls have thrown themselves into it,” Brown said. “Their level of enthusiasm really raises ours.”
Those wishing to volunteer as buddies or in any capacity are required to attend a training session, which lasts about an hour and explains the mission of the project, what to expect that night, how to interact with the special needs guests and other particulars.
Support ‘A Night to Shine’ via PayPal – Account: clarksvillefirstchurch@gmail.com
“We have food volunteers, runners, and paparazzi to take pictures on the red carpet but we still need more people to get involved because more hands just make the night more special,” Leighton said.
Several training sessions have been held so far and one more is scheduled for Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m. at Community of Hope Church, across from Clarksville High School on Richview Rd.
If you are unable to volunteer but would still like to contribute to providing a wonderful night out for the people with special needs in our community, please consider making a donation, as the Tim Tebow foundation provides less support each year.