THEIR NIGHT TO SHINE — Zach Daniels and Mackenzie Owens displayed their crowns and finest fashions as they made their way down the red carpet during Toronto Junior/Senior High School’s second-annual Night to Shine event held Friday. More than 200 people celebrate those with disabilities throughout the evening. -- Contributed

TORONTO — Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities shone in the spotlight during the second-annual Night to Shine event at Toronto Junior/Senior High School Friday.

An estimated 250 people, including guests and volunteers, gathered for the special worldwide prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Attendees wore their finest attire, which included crowns, as each was named a king and queen for the evening.

The ladies received beauty treatments from a glam squad provided by Bella Cappelli Academy and those from the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s cosmetology program. Other offerings featured stretch limousine rides, games, a photo booth, karaoke, dinner and dancing.

Provided by Toronto’s Crossroads North River Church and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, organizers explained the evening was an opportunity for guests to not only celebrate with others, but to celebrate themselves.

Shari Prichard, organizer and pastor of the Crossroad’s women’s ministry, stated she wrote the initial foundation grant to participate in Night to Shine, with the school district accommodating the venue.

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with the school system and they are wonderful,” Prichard said. “Our honored guests are paired with a buddy for the evening to make sure they have a great time and have everything they need.” There was an increase in the number of participants this year, she noted, adding she could not be more delighted.

“The whole purpose is to celebrate the special needs community and share the love of Jesus,” Prichard exclaimed. “We’re grateful, thankful and very honored to do this event. It’s just a wonderful evening to make people feel special, honored and loved.”

“It’s all of the things you see in a prom experience,” added Cookie West, JCBDD community navigator. “Last year it was held at the elementary school. This year, Toronto City Schools Superintendent Maureen Taggart and the district gave us access to the entire building. It gave us more room to navigate the event.”

The Rev. Mark Prichard led prayers and offered words of support, inviting the crowd to share their love for Jesus. “This is a night of love, acceptance and honor,” he said.

A video of Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow was shown congratulating participants in more than 50 countries, all joining in on the event. “You are a king or a queen because you are royalty,” Tebow told participants. “That’s how God sees you and that’s why you are important.”

The V.I.P.’s excitement shined as they received a chance to dance and twirl down the red carpet with their “buddies” prior to dancing the night away.

“It’s a great thing,” stated Emily Coleman, a resident of Mingo Junction. “It was my first time doing the dancing and we had a good time riding in the limo.”

“I love it,” added Lisa Majewski, of Wintersville. “I’m with all of my friends and I have lots of fun. I like the glamour and I want to thank Tim Tebow for letting us come here to have a joyful time.”

Every guest is honored as a king or queen — the way God sees them each and every day, organizers noted.

Local sponsors included Jeffco Services Inc., Franciscan University of Steubenville, Trinity Health System, TIMET United Steelworkers, Kiwanis Club of Steubenville, 7 Ranges Entertainment, Capital Health Services, Exquisite Creations by Joel and Bella Cappelli Academy.