The blue and silver balloons filled the room as over 500 guests with special needs arrived in their ball gowns and tuxedos for a night to shine. The participants ranging from ages 14 and older gathered at Timberline Church in Ft. Collins on Feb. 7 to celebrate the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine prom experience. 

Over 800 volunteers comprised of companions and other positions gathered in preparation for the over 500 participants expected and anxiously awaited their arrival. The companions stood on the balcony as the participants started to choose their “dates” for the evening. As more and more people started to arrive, guests and their escorts moved into the main room of the event to begin their special night.

The actual dance began when the pastor of the church spoke, as well as the Mayor of Loveland, Jacki Marsh. She wanted all the guests to know that they matter and that this event is their special night to truly celebrate and have fun. The pastor reiterated her words and said an opening prayer.

A video made personally by Tim Tebow was shown as well to express the great love others have towards all people with special needs. The message that all are loved and everyone in the room matters, started the night off on a spiritually high note. As the band started to play their live music, participants began to go their separate ways to the many different activities provided.

Catered food, karaoke, professional photos, photo booth opportunities, limo rides, and dancing were all options available for the participants to enjoy. One of the participants, Ryan Schaefer,  said he enjoyed the food and the limo rides the best. The dance floor was also a hit for him. Many others would say that the karaoke was the height of the event.

The highlight of the event came when all 500 plus participants were crowned prom Kings and Queens of the Night to Shine. Prior to the crowning ceremony, a clock was projected throughout the church, counting down the minutes as the core members of the Northern Colorado Night to Shine hurried to give every companion a crown or tiara to then place on their participant’s heads on their que.

After the crowns were awarded, guests hurried to finish up any last minute activities before heading home. As the participants left, they received a bag full of Night to Shine merchandise to provide memories for years to come. 

The overall night is a celebration of the lives of people with special needs. The main goal of the Tim Tebow Foundation is to make everyone feel loved and feel accepted by God’s grace. For many, the night is a chance to feel special and truly shine. One of the participants at the dance enjoyed the food and the limo rides the best. The dance floor was also a hit for him.