Night to Shine 2020
I found Tim Tebow and the Tim Tebow Foundation back in 2014 when he started putting on an event called "Night to Shine", a Prom for people with special needs. His ministry immediately spoke directly to my heart. I am not the kind of person who has a long "bucket list" of things that I want to do but since I was 14 years old my "bucket list" consisted of one single thing. Working with the Tim Tebow Foundation. That dream was achieved on February 7, 2020.
I was meant to be there and I fought to be there. When I first moved to College I had a really difficult time settling in, especially finding a home church, something that as a Pastor's Kid I had never had to do before. I began attending my new home church out of convenience and the first week that I chose to stay at my church the pastor announced that the church was about to start a sermon series on special needs AND they were partnering with the Tim Tebow Foundation to put on a Night to Shine. And guys let me tell you I cried tears of joy. I felt like God had just given me the greatest gift and confirmation that I was exactly where I needed to be. But guys... I ALMOST MISSED IT! Long story short due to my college schedule I had missed the opportunity to go to the training that was scheduled. And when I first found out I cried, like really really cried, but then I became determined to find some way to get there. I talked to others and eventually made contact with the right people and found out two hours from when I made the phone call there was ONE FINAL training that I could attend.
When I attended the training I had to sign up for the volunteer position I wanted to do. At the time I did not feel confident signing up to be a Buddy, which is when you get paired up with a guest and spend the whole night with them. I felt unqualified and insecure about my ability to do the job well. Out of my insecurity instead of signing up for a position as Buddy, I chose different options. I just prayed that God would put me where he wanted me and trusted that wherever I was placed was where God intended for me to be. When I went to pick up my assignment I found out that despite the fact that I did not sign up to be a Buddy that is the job I was given. I was shocked still feeling unqualified but immediately knew that Lord had purposefully given me this assignment knowing that it was outside my comfort zone.
On that night I got paired up at random with an incredible young woman who has Down Syndrome. She had a strong group of friends that she attended the prom with and it was just amazing to be a part of the night with such a vibrant group of people. It was an incredible and unbelievable experience from start to finish. From hair and makeup to the limo ride (my first ever limo ride by the way!) to the red carpet, diner, photo booth, dance, and crowning ceremony. For me, it was a dream come true. Getting to dance and watch my Buddy dance with her friends was my favorite part. But the thing that I think will stick with me the most was the amount of palpable joy that was in the room. It was loud and packed and we were all shocked to see the calm that the guests had. I was shocked that there were very few people who got overstimulated but instead, they were all dancing without a care in the world.
I have never experienced so much joy and love in one room. I applaud Tim Tebow and his Foundation for the work they do and I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to play even a small part in the mission that they have. It was a dream come true and I would love to be a part of Night to Shine again in the future. If you have the opportunity I strongly urge you to volunteer at a Night to Shine. Being able to give back to a community that has meant so much to me was a blessing and getting to do it in this way was such an incredible opportunity.
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