Holmes County Night to Shine returns

People celebrate championships.

They celebrate accomplishments and achievements of reaching goals and objectives.

It’s time to celebrate something even more special: Holmes County Night to Shine.

There are moments when celebration becomes more than music, lights and applause, which are all byproducts of Tim Tebow’s vision to celebrate individuals with special needs in this unique event.

This night goes above and beyond those celebratory actions. Night to Shine is when participation and compassion unite to create a declaration that every person is seen, valued and deeply loved.

Holmes County Night to Shine is one of those moments, and there's no easier way to enhance this night than to show up during the event Friday, Feb. 13 at Grace Church in Berlin to cheer on the honored guests as they arrive.

Those who want to make this evening special simply show up at Grace Church from 5:15-5:30 p.m. the evening of the event and celebrate in the red-carpet arrival ceremony without a background check. Participants can come inside the auditorium and line the red carpet to welcome every honored guest.

Those who have participated will attest it is an hour-plus of one of the most satisfying ways to serve the community.

Chad Stutzman, pastor at Grace Church, has experienced this event up close. He has seen the impact organizations like Sacred Ground have had on individuals with special needs, which operates in Grace Church.

He and many others have seen the power Night to Shine has in knocking down walls, creating unity and building self-esteem while creating one memorable evening of celebration.

“I have had the privilege of being a part of Night to Shine over the last three years,” Stutzman said. “I’m really looking forward to another great Night to Shine. The best word I can use to describe NTS is joy. You can see the delight in the eyes of those attending as they arrive and walk into the building, often with family and friends.

“It’s a night filled with laughter, smiles, pictures, games, food, dancing, karaoke, limo rides and so much more. Last year I didn’t have a specific job to do so I was able to just walk around and observe everything.

“Seeing the joy on the faces of the participants warmed my heart. I also was struck by how many people had volunteered their time to come and be a part of this incredible event called Night to Shine,” Stutzman said. “A real highlight for me is at the end of the night each participant is given a crown or a tiara because they are the king or queen of the night.

"To see those faces light up is so special. I know many of the participants look forward all year to this incredible night. I’m so excited that we can once again offer this joy-filled night to so many wonderful people in our community.”

Joining the Night to Shine celebration means saying yes to making every individual feel like queen or king for the night.

As people come together to cheer, serve and celebrate individuals with special needs, it’s not just joining a prom; it’s stepping into a night where dignity takes center stage, joy fills the room and every guest is honored like royalty.

It is joyful, empowering and creates a sense of fulfillment, and that isn’t just for the honored guests, but also for those who join to create the special atmosphere.

At its heart Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine is about honoring people with special needs. The joy comes from seeing faces light up when someone realizes, “I matter. I’m celebrated. I belong.” That kind of joy is contagious in a way few experiences are.

It’s also joyful because the cheering is completely unguarded. There’s no performance, no cool factor, just wholehearted affirmation. When a guest walks the red carpet and the crowd erupts, everyone can feel walls come down, of both the individuals and the volunteers. It reminds everyone of how powerful simple kindness and encouragement really are.

Finally, it’s joyful because it reflects love is a commitment to enhance the lives of others. Cheering at Night to Shine doesn’t drain those who volunteer; it fills their hearts with love and compassion. People leave feeling blessed, reminded that joy multiplies when it’s shared freely and loudly.

In short, those who choose to participate in the red-carpet event of Night to Shine aren’t just cheering for someone; they are celebrating with them, and that’s where the joy lives.

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