Life Community Church will again serve as one of the nearly 700 churches around the world in hosting Night to Shine on Feb. 7, 2020, which is partially sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
The event is a prom night experience, focused on God’s love, for people with special needs over the age of 14.
In its fourth year, Owensboro’s Night to Shine presenters hope to accommodate 175 attendees, but that depends on event sponsorship.
The Tebow Foundation supports the event, but each year that a church hosts, the foundation sponsorship is drastically reduced.
Kerri Booker, local media contact for Owensboro’s event, said that the reason the Tim Tebow Foundation reduces funding is because they want the community to play a larger role in the event each year.
“We have had great sponsors and that is how we are able to hold the event at the convention center,” Booker said. “We are happy we can provide this type of venue.”
Each year, Night to Shine Owensboro has had a waiting list and Booker hates to see some deserving individuals not be able to enjoy the event, but the numbers are dependent on funds raised in the community. Life Community Church is currently $5,000 away from their goal.
Each guest enters the complimentary event by walking a red carpet, which is staged with a volunteer crowd and paparazzi. Attendees can have their hair and make up done and their shoes shined by volunteers and receive a corsage or boutonniere, which have been donated. A catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors and dancing all lead up to the final event — the crowning of the prom queens and kings, which happens for each guest.
“It is awe inspiring to see how God is using the Church globally to stand up and advocate for people with special needs,” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “I truly believe that the world is coming together through Night to Shine to celebrate the love that God has for us! Every town, every village, every state, every country needs a Night to Shine for their special needs community – a chance to be a part of something significant and life-changing…and to be blessed in the process.”
Night to Shine is in its sixth year nationally, with 44 host churches and 15,000 volunteers honoring more than 7,000 prom kings and queens. The foundation anticipates 800 churches to host the event in February 2020.
Volunteer registration for Night to Shine Owensboro 2020 is now open. Anticipating 175 honored guests, Booker said they need at least 175 people to volunteer as “buddies.”
“The buddies are paired with a guest and enjoy the night developing a friendship, dancing, singing, riding in a limo…whatever the guest wants to do — it’s their night,” Booker said.
In addition to the role of buddy, an additional 125-150 volunteers are needed to serve in various capacities, including beauty and photography services.
“Add in the parents and caregivers who are invited to enjoy their night in our on-site respite area, we will have over 700 people present for Night to Shine in Owensboro,” Booker said.
Guest registration began Friday. Registration links are posted on the Night to Shine Owensboro Facebook page. For additional information, including how to donate to Night to Shine hosted by Life Community Church in Owensboro, visit www.lifeowensboro.com.
