A prom night for special-needs young people is coming to North Greenwood Baptist Church in February following a two-year delay, says the Rev. Dr. Jim Phillips, the church’s pastor.
“A Night to Shine” is an international event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation for those 14 and up with special needs. Caregivers will also be able to feast and fellowship at a separate concurrent banquet at the Feb. 10 event.
Those wanting to attend or volunteer should complete registration by a soft deadline of Jan. 15, Phillips said, since a major training day will be held shortly thereafter. However, registration will close after 75 people have filled out the paperwork.
About 20 have registered so far.
“A Night to Shine” launched in 2015. North Greenwood Baptist applied in 2020 to host such a prom in 2021 but rescinded its request due to COVID-19. The prom then was to be held this past February but was postponed because of some issues with conducting it as an outdoor drive-through event.
“Some people did not have vehicles, so hopefully this year we are planning it far enough in advance that people have connections with organizations that can bring them,” Phillips said.
The schedule will include a red-carpet entrance to the prom held in the church’s Recreational Outreach Center, complete with Greenwood City Councilman Johnny Jennings serving as the DJ and karaoke. Guests will also be crowned prom king or queen and have the opportunity to ride in special automobiles and limousines, Phillips said.
Upon entry, they will be able to have their makeup freshened or their shoes shined.
Each guest will be assigned a buddy to walk with him or her through the night. The senior class of Pillow Academy will compose some of these volunteers, but the church needs around 150 volunteers in all. About 50 are currently signed up to help.
The function is budgeted at around $10,000. Part of the funding was provided by a grant the church received from the Tebow Foundation — named after former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow — to help establish the event as an annual occurrence. However, the church still needs about $5,000 to meet its budget goal.
“We’re looking for local organizations to take part. There are about 20 committees formed,” Phillips said.
The event is free to families other than the cost of getting there and going home, he said.
Sponsorships begin at a modest “bronze” amount of up to $50 and stretch from $51-100, $101-499, $500-999, $1,000-1,999 all the way to a “platinum” sponsorship of anything over $2,000.
“Obviously, this brings a blessing to special-needs families and guests,” Phillips said. “Some of them get to experience a prom for the first time, and it also gives the community the opportunity to come together and create something special.”
February’s event will be previewed by a “Say Yes to the Dress” event in January, which will help provide prom dresses to attendees who may not otherwise be able to obtain them.
Those who wish to volunteer or register to attend may call the North Greenwood Baptist office at 662-453-2801 or pick up a form at the church at 615 Grand Blvd. Volunteers will be responsible for the $15 required background check.
- Contact Katherine Parker at 662-581-7239 or kparker@gwcommonwealth.com.
