Shining bright 2019

Prior to our fabulous trip to the Bahamas, we were busy prepping for A Night To Shine; a prom for individuals ages 14 and up sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. 
I can't say enough good things about this organization; showing God's love for individuals with special needs.
You might recall I was involved in this last year, and there was no way I wasn't going to be involved this year. We actually started our committee meetings way back in June!

I was again the fundraising chair, but I help wherever we need it....and we always need it. It's such a huge production to put on...kind of like planning a wedding. Except this affair happens in a beautiful church/event center and not at the Elks Lodge. :( But hey, it's the marriage that counts, not the venue!)

We host 170 VIP guests. And each of those guests is paired up with a 'buddy' for the night. Kind of like a date, but it's not a date. :) Meanwhile, the parents/caregivers are treated to a night away in a separate event room from their child/person and have a nice dinner, entertainment/dancing/prizes too.

My girl Kelly drove over to assist this year....she loved every minute of it as well. I was in charge of the limo loading this year and I had several of my peeps there helping. It was awesome. We were able to visit with most of the guests prior to the prom and they were so darn excited!!

 All the dresses/suits/accessories are donated, as well as a hair/make up team. Our guests are treated to a limo ride, dinner, dancing...they're treated like the kings and queens that they are.

 We have a red carpet set up when they arrive at the prom along with a JROTC team who stand proudly as they enter....then, the paparazzi are there cheering and taking photos as they enter. It's a big deal!

 The dancing is my favorite part...they're all so happy. Even the peeps in wheelchairs get in on the festivities. No one is left out.

 This young man arrived and said that he'd always wanted to dance with a princess in a white dress. Well, we just so happened to have a buddy there who came in a white dress; he was in heaven! Yes, there were happy tears all around from the volunteers as we knew this was his wish for the night.

It was such a wonderful night. With all the darkness and despair that we see on a daily basis, this renews my faith in the world.

XOXO