Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Individuals with special needs will have a chance to enjoy a prom night designed just for them as Night to Shine Roanoke returns on Friday, Feb. 7. Hosted by Bonsack Baptist, Thrasher Memorial United Methodist, Fincastle Baptist, and Fellowship Community Church, the event is open to individuals with disabilities ages 14 and older.
Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is a nationwide initiative that provides an inclusive prom experience where every guest is celebrated. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with special experiences, including hair and makeup services, shoeshines, dinner, limo rides, and dancing. The evening will conclude with each guest being crowned as a king or queen of the prom.
Jessica Lynn, Unlimited Ministry assistant at Fellowship Community Church, emphasized the importance of the event for both participants and the church community.
“We want to make a connection with these individuals and their families, so they know they are included and loved,” Lynn said. “This night is special and just for them.”
Last year, the Roanoke event drew approximately 2,000 attendees, including more than 450 honored guests and an equal number of volunteers. Lynn noted that participants eagerly anticipate the event each year.
“A lot of people, when they fill out their forms, say they can’t wait to come back again,” she said. “They are very appreciative of this opportunity.”
The event will take place at Fellowship Community Church in Salem, located at 1226 Red Lane. Optional hair, makeup, and shoeshine services will be available starting at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with limo rides beginning around 5:30 p.m. The dance will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Guests and volunteers can register through the event’s website. For more information or to sign up, visit https://fcclife.org/allevents/2024/2/9/night-to-shine-f9mdy.
Courtesy photos
