A NIGHT TO SHINE — Toronto High School was the site for the 2024 Night to Shine event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Co-chaired by Crossroads North River Church and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the second-annual prom for those with special needs will take place Feb. 7. Volunteers are still needed, according to officials. -- Contributed

TORONTO — Crossroads North River Church will serve as a host once again for the second-annual Night to Shine prom, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

This unforgettable prom night experience for those with special needs is centered on God’s love and celebrating those for whom it represents, according to church officials.

Churches across the world will simultaneously hold their own Night to Shine event on Feb. 7, with those at the North River church in Toronto happy to be a part of this “exciting worldwide movement.”

“God is using this movement as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved,” organizers stated. The Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities will co-host the prom, with major sponsorship being provided by Jeffco Services Inc.

Night to Shine is a complimentary event in which activities will include a red-carpet entrance — complete with a welcome from an encouraging crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a respite room for parents and caregivers, a sensory room and a crowning ceremony where every guest will be honored and receive a crown or tiara.

As sponsor of Night to Shine, the Tim Tebow Foundation will provide each host church with the official Night to Shine planning manual, personalized guidance and support from a Tim Tebow Foundation staff member. There is an opportunity to apply for a financial grant, and access to planning resources to assist in creating an unforgettable night for participants.

The foundation provides access to ongoing disability ministry resources through Shine On, a ministry that equips the church with faith-based resources to embrace people living with disabilities as part of their church community.

“We are thrilled to once again host this event in our community,” stated Shari Prichard, event co-chair from Crossroads North River Church. “Last year was absolutely more than we could have hoped for, and we plan to go even bigger this year.”

Throughout the years, hundreds of churches from 56 countries have provided more than half a million guests with this experience. The Feb. 7 event will mark the 11th anniversary of the Night to Shine prom.

“We are thankful for our partnership with Toronto City Schools, our local police department, fire department and business community for all of their ongoing support,” commented the Rev. Mark Prichard of Crossroads church. “Once again, we have been working closely with JCBDD and have a solid committee to plan the event.”

“So far, we have around 75 confirmed volunteers,” stated Cookie West, event co-chair for the JCBDD. “However, we need about 75 to 100 more volunteers. We are deeply grateful to all of the businesses who are eager to be involved, as well as all the individuals who come out to support the developmental disabilities community.”

Individuals who would like to attend the event can submit a completed application request found online at forms.gle/RdndzUwuFZe3U9Gn8. Applicants will be contacted upon their submission.

Individuals who wish to volunteer for the event can complete a registration at https://forms.gle/Kk4syAHVn1Zw4ptY9. Volunteer applicants will be contacted upon their completed volunteer registration.

For information, visit Crossroads North River Church’s Facebook page.

For information on the Night to Shine movement, visit timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine.