The Night to Shine is an annual event, like a prom, created for young people with special needs and disorders. Young people embrace the love of God and enjoy a fun night of music and companionship. 

Night to Shine was created by Tim Tebow, in the year 2015. Tebow has done this through his organization The Tim Tebow Foundation. His foundation provides for children with physical and mental issues who have been left homeless and abandoned. He then makes sure everyone finds a safe, strong, and suitable home.

Tebow created the Night to Shine to show those with special needs that God’s love extends to everyone including them. This is why the event is hosted in local churches. This year, it is being hosted at the First Christian Church of Herrin, in Herrin. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. 

According to The Tim Tebow Foundation, out of all 50 states here in the US, there are 594 churches hosting Night to Shine. There have been anywhere from 2 to 33 churches hosting in every state. America is not the only country to do this, however. There are currently 46 countries participating and actively hosting Night to Shine. 

Generally, the people who attend Night to Shine have a Best Buddy. The Best Buddies job is to accompany the person/student the whole night and make sure they are enjoying themselves, and to never be left out of all the fun. When one of our school’s Best Buddies, Ava Goetting (10), was interviewed and asked how she felt about the work she does, she was quite straightforward. She stated “I feel that it’s a good, positive experience. It’s also very fulfilling.” Likewise, Julia Alexander (10), stated “I like being able to bring smiles to their faces.”