Stepping into the spotlight can be overwhelming, but being surrounded by your biggest fans makes it easier.
Getting ready for the spotlight with your friends builds a sense of excitement for what’s ahead. And when you step onto the stage and the community is behind you, everyone can be included.
In February, Night to Shine celebrated people with disabilities with a prom-style event. The Tim Tebow Foundation created the free annual party with the vision that every guest is a queen or king. Several residents at Gabriel Homes were on the edge of their seats for this year’s promenade held at FFX church.
The evening started at the residents’ homes. Everyone changed into their finest attire in advance of their photos and coronations. Staff and friends helped one another by tying each other’s ties and coordinating blazers and shirts.
Their first steps out of the limo saw the residents strutting the red carpet.
Similar to red carpets at award shows, paparazzi interviewed guests about their excitement for prom. Those who wanted extra tender, love, and care stepped aside for professional shoe-shining.
The evening transitioned into nighttime after friends enjoyed their gourmet dinners. A DJ dimmed the lights and raised the roof. Residents leaped from their seats and onto the dance floor; some dancers were so busy grooving that they had to remind each other to take water breaks!
Those who wanted space from the high energy on the dance floor relaxed in sensory rooms and visited the photo booth.
Many returned when the microphone turned from the DJ to the guests when karaoke started! Residents swarmed toward the stage to sing their favorite hits. Namely, the echoes of John Denver’s “Country Roads” and ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” filled the dance floor.
Once the final notes of karaoke faded...
... the excitement shifted toward the moment everyone had been waiting for: the coronation. Instead of voting for prom king and queen, volunteers placed crowns and tiaras on all the attendees’ heads. Some guests hugged their friends as tight as possible.
“The crown reminds me that I shine in my own way. It makes me feel proud of everything that makes me, me.”