ANNISTON, AL — Members of the special needs community gathered in Anniston for this year’s Night to Shine, an international prom experience hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The local event was sponsored by First Baptist Church of Oxford and held at Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Anniston.
Night to Shine is an annual event designed for individuals ages 14 and older with special needs, offering a prom-style evening that includes music, food, activities and a red-carpet experience. The event is part of a global initiative organized through the Tim Tebow Foundation and coordinated locally by participating churches.
Gabby Austin, Media Ministry Assistant for First Baptist Church of Oxford, said the church has helped coordinate the local Night to Shine event for several years. The foundation provides guidelines for hosting the event, while the sponsoring church works to organize volunteers, activities and logistics for the evening.
The event focuses on creating a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere where honored guests can enjoy a traditional prom experience. Activities included dancing, entertainment and a variety of interactive stations designed for attendees and volunteers.
A highlight of the evening is the crowning ceremony, during which each honored guest is recognized as a king or queen. Organizers say the ceremony is intended to celebrate each participant and provide a memorable experience for those in attendance.
This year’s event also featured additional activities such as karaoke and a photo booth with on-site printing, allowing guests to take home photos from the evening. Catering was provided by WM Grocery, which prepared a selection of finger foods for guests and volunteers.
Organizers expect registration for next year’s event to open in the fall through First Baptist Church of Oxford for both honored guests and volunteers interested in participating.
