Buddies needed to make Night to Shine sparkle

The Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities is gearing up for a special evening, with Night to Shine being right around the corner, slated for Friday, Feb. 13 at Grace Church in Berlin.

However, before the red carpet is rolled out, the bright lights shine, and the karaoke, games, dinner, limousine rides and crowning moments take place, one important part of the equation needs to be fulfilled.

“Right now more than anything else, we need volunteers, especially people willing to serve as buddies for our honored guests,” said Kim Miller, who has headed up the Holmes County Night to Shine since its inception four years ago. “Our volunteers are what really makes this special for our honored guests, and this year we already have 100 guests signed up and ready to enjoy what is always a memorable evening.”

Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine is special because it gives people with special needs something they’re too often denied: a night where they are fully seen, celebrated and honored.

Night to Shine is a worldwide prom experience sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation in which honored guests with disabilities are treated like royalty. From red carpets and paparazzi-style photos to being crowned king or queen for the night and cheering crowds, every detail sends one simple yet powerful message: You matter, and you are worthy of celebration.

What truly sets Night to Shine apart is the love behind it, and that love is exhibited by the many volunteers who make it possible.

According to Miller, volunteers don’t just help; they make it something memorable that gets talked about year round by the honored guests.

There are many roles to play for volunteers, who help build relationships, dance, laugh and listen, all of which has brought more than a few tears of joy to both participants and volunteers.

“We need buddies big time,” Miller said. “As of now we are still a couple dozen short, and our buddies are a critical part of the evening. The buddy position is probably the best way to volunteer because they are with the honored guest all night and get to experience all the joy and fun of the evening.

“Buddies accompany each honored guest through the red-carpet arrival, the dinner, limousine rides, the crowning moments and more. It is a very heartwarming and meaningful way to volunteer.”

Miller said volunteering as a buddy is a way for high school and college students to not only develop greater appreciation for individuals with disabilities, but also it qualifies them for things like Holmes County Education & Community Foundation scholarship hours and looks great on college resumes.

Regardless of age, Miller said volunteers will never forget the experience of seeing the smiles, joy and excitement of each honored guest.

Other volunteer roles left to fill include helping honored guests into the limousine, outside greeters, helping during the dance and several other opportunities.

Each volunteer role adds value to the event.

“Night to Shine is special because it impacts everyone involved,” Miller said. “Guests leave with confidence and joy while volunteers walk away with deeper compassion and perspective. It’s more than just a prom; it’s promoting the value of every person and an example of inclusion, faith and community in action.”

Those wishing to volunteer to make this a special night can visit www.nighttoshinehc.org.

Once there, click the Volunteer icon at the top of the page and fill out the short list of information. Once completed, those wishing to volunteer will receive a link to complete a background check, something that is necessary for all volunteers.

The page displays all the ways people can volunteer, and Miller laid out some of the most critical needs yet to be filled, the most important of which are buddies.

For those who already have an updated background check within the past year, there is a link where they can send a copy.

For anyone who isn’t volunteering to fill a role inside for the evening, there is one other way they can help make the night special.

Miller said people may simply show up at 5:45 p.m. the day of the event and celebrate in the red-carpet arrival ceremony without a background check. Those participants can come inside the auditorium and line the red carpet to welcome every honored guest and their buddy.

“We would love to fill the auditorium because that sets the stage for the rest of the night,” Miller said. “It’s only about an hour, and our honored guests get so excited when there’s a lot of people there to welcome them.”

To learn more about the event, visit www.nighttoshinehc.org.