Level Grove Baptist Church hosted an unforgettable evening, welcoming Night to Shine, an annual event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This year’s event, held on Friday, February 7, was a shining example of community spirit, with over 230 volunteers coming together to create a night of celebration for 122 special needs participants.
The night
Leigh Perdue Hunnicutt, organizer of the Night to Shine event, reflected on what it took to bring this night to fruition and everything in between. “This is our second year. We started last year, and it was something the Lord laid upon my heart to do,” Hunnicutt expressed.
Hunnicutt said the application process was very involved. Last year, they were approved in October 2023 to host the event in February 2024.
“It was fast, quick, and in a hurry putting everything together last year. They asked if we wanted to do this again this year, and we said absolutely!”
For Hunnicutt, it has been an honor to love on the participants and to help bring together a group of people who deserve to feel special. “These are people in our society that usually feel less than. They can be looked down on. To have a special night about them – where they are the kings and queens is remarkable.”
Prom experience
Night to Shine is a prom night experience for individuals with special needs, designed to honor them and provide an inclusive and unforgettable evening. Attendees at the Level Grove Baptist Church event were treated to a night full of fun, dancing, and camaraderie, with the church transformed into a dazzling venue. The night echoed royalty, prestige, and recognition from glittering lights to stretch limousines.
Chris Wright, owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Cornelia, attended in formal attire, bringing meals to those in attendance. “We were all in the second we heard about the event last year. We helped out with food, and we brought the cow. For us, it has been so enjoyable and memorable. Serving the community this way for the second year really means a lot. ”
Wright brought his team members to help out as well this year. “It is an experience and blessing,” Wright said. His favorite part of the night is the red carpet walk-downs.
“Seeing people get really excited, being crowned king or queen, and having their picture made. They are an All-Star.”
The red carpet
The red carpet is decorated with lights and the feel of glamour with a Master of Ceremonies, cameras, and all the frills of Hollywood. Wright said he enjoyed how some people stroll slowly down, taking it all in, while others sprint down to get through it.
It was the smiles that shone the brightest as each participant was recognized. Hunnicutt and her team of volunteers left no stone unturned, from shoe shines to make-up and hair; the night was reflective of bringing each person participating into the light as the volunteers humbly stood back and enjoyed how it made others feel.
Many volunteers
The event was made possible by the dedication and support of local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, who helped with everything from golf cart shuttles and guiding participants down the red carpet to serving food, karaoke, and dancing. Fenders Diner set up a room for caregivers and parents to take a breath and enjoy a moment “off” while watching the joy of their loved ones being showcased. Dairy Queen tied the night together with ice cream.
Each participant is assigned a “Buddy” who navigates through the night with them. The hugs, the laughter, and the sharing of a life memory hovered above the atmosphere, making everyone feel a part of something much more significant than anyone could describe.
Power of community
Dr. Josh Garrett of Garrett Family Medicine, who served as a volunteer, said it most eloquently about the evening, “Seeing people highlighted who need to be highlighted, having a good time, enjoying each other, fellowship, friendship, and just a fun night.”
Night to Shine is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel special, and this event exemplified the power of community and the positive impact of inclusion.
