People with special needs ages 14 and over will be treated to a “Night to Shine” free prom event from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at the Red Lion, 221 N. Lincoln St., Port Angeles. The event will accommodate about 100 guests with special needs, as well as 100 volunteers who will serve as companions or buddies for each guest, organizers say. If needed, transportation will be provided by Camp Beausite NW to and from the event.
Pre-registration has been extended and is required. To register your loved one to attend Night to Shine, contact tresa.mosaic@gmail.com by Feb. 7. Space is limited.
The event is a first for Clallam County. Night to Shine was founded by The Tim Tebow Foundation two years ago and has grown 450 percent to 350 locations holding the event simultaneously in all 50 states and several countries, with 32,000 honored guests and 75,000 volunteers.
Locally, the Hillcrest Baptist Church of Port Angeles applied to the foundation for the privilege to host the red-carpet event for people with special needs on the North Olympic Peninsula. Other presenting partners include Clallam Mosaic, Camp Beausite NW, The Crossings Church and Wilderness Escapes.
Every guest of Night to Shine enters this complimentary event on a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors for each honored guest and, of course, a dance floor… all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned king or queen of the prom.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate our friends, neighbors and family members with special needs, a chance for them to dress up, have a night on the town, make friends and memories, in a safe and fun setting,” said William Gullick, pastor at Hillcrest and chairman of the event.
Donations of hair styling and makeup services, formal wear and shoes for men and women, and cash are needed. Donations of gowns, suits and dress shoes can be dropped off at Elwha Heritage Center and both Olympic YMCA locations in Port Angeles and Sequim.
Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, parking, serve as “buddies” to escort each guest, manage the VIP room for parents, etc. Volunteers are required to pass a background check. To volunteer, contact priya.mosaic@gmail.com.
For more information on the worldwide Night to Shine movement and locations, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.
For more information, contact Cheryl Smith, Director of Programs, Camp Beausite NW, at 360-808-5629.
