The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine took place at St. Francis Church in Haskell, on February 7, 2025 with the help of many volunteers from the Lakeland Regional High School community.
(Courtesy of Blair Buehler)
Night to Shine is an event that occurs worldwide. Their mission is to celebrate individuals that may have disabilities and special needs with a night full of singing, dancing, glamour, and games. It takes place in churches all over the world on the same day each year. Guests arrive through a red carpet lined with cheering volunteers and first responders. Throughout the night, guests and their volunteer buddies spend time in the extensively decorated rooms that include karaoke, hair and make-up, shoe shining, a game room, and even a sensory room. Then, all of the guests and their buddies head to the main room to enjoy dinner and dancing. At the end of the night, a video of Tebow plays announcing every guest queen or king of the night.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed each year to assist in setting up, serving food, running rooms, cleaning up, and making the night magical overall. Senior Rebekah Setti told the Ledger, “I love feeling like I could impact someone’s night…I want them to have as much fun as possible.” Setti has been a buddy at Night to Shine since her freshman year at LRHS. She claims that people should volunteer because “you disconnect from social media and truly live in the moment.”
(Hope Walker)
Another volunteer, junior Jesse Freedman, was also a buddy at the event. When asked about how he liked being a buddy this year, he exclaimed, “I’m glad I could make a fun night for him!” Ultimately, volunteers feel humble and grateful throughout the night, as guests make the whole place shimmer.
LRHS Track and Field also volunteered to set up the various rooms of the prom while the baseball and football teams assisted with cleaning up and taking down the decorations and tables.
If you are interested in volunteering at Night To Shine next year, email [email protected] for updates and reminders about next year’s prom. This unique event might just change your perspective on life.
