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‘A Night to Shine’ to shine on Toronto

Popular world-wide event coming to Jefferson County

By JULIE STENGER 10 min read

TORONTO -- It is an evening they won't soon forget.

Those planning to attend the Gem City's upcoming "Night to Shine" event will receive an unforgettable prom night experience. It is centered on God's love and celebrates those with special needs, according to organizers at the Tim Tebow Foundation, national sponsors of the event.

The proms are held by host churches around the world, conducted on the same evening, at the same time. This year's event will take place Feb. 9 in at least 56 countries.

And for the first time, Jefferson County will be on that list of attendees.

Shari Prichard is part of the women's ministry at Crossroads North River Church in Toronto, host of the event.

She, along with Cookie West from the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, are co-chairs of the event. Major sponsorship is being provided by Jeffco Services Inc. and Trinity Health System.

"North River is excited to be a part of this world-wide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church world-wide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved," Prichard said. She stated the dance is for those 14 and older.

"'Night to Shine' is hosted by churches all around the globe who desire to share the love of Christ with their community of people with special needs," Prichard continued. "It is a complimentary event, and while every event is a little different, some activities include a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi.

"There are 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 honored guest receives a crown or tiara," she stated.

The foundation provides each host church with the planning manual, personalized guidance and support from a Tim Tebow foundation staff member, the opportunity to apply for a financial grant and access to planning resources which will assist them in creating "an unforgettable night for their honored guests."

Prichard explained it took a couple of months to write and apply for the grant.

She submitted the paperwork in June, was notified of the decision to allow Toronto Elementary School to be the site for the dance in July and the planning committee set to work in August.

She noted there are many expectations and requirements which have to be met but the process was definitely worth it.

"We are thrilled to host this event at Toronto Elementary School with a ton of community partners participating," stated the Rev. Mark Prichard. "We have been working closely with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and a strong committee to plan the event."

Shari Prichard said there are 50 people currently signed up. There is still space to accommodate 50 more participants and applications are being accepted.

"We will be needing about 75 to 100 volunteers for a successful event, according to the Tebow Foundation guidelines," West explained. "We are hoping this will be an excellent opportunity for our community to get involved with people with developmental disabilities and increase the awareness in our community."

Nineteen-year-old Javon Galloway resides in Toronto. He attends the School of Bright Promise and will be one of this year's guests at the "Night to Shine" event in his hometown.

His mother, Hope, explained she found out about the dance through a special connection support group on Facebook.

Hope said she and her husband are very excited to have Javon attend the dance. "He is looking forward to having a good time."

Javon is non-verbal, so the family uses common picture cards as a form of communication.

"His facial expressions usually will let you know how he feels, too," she added.

Javon will be going to the dance with his cousin, Aaliyah Williams.

His parents, who will both attend, aren't sure yet whether Javon will be partnered up with anyone. However, organizers noted he will be paired with a buddy upon entering the school and that buddy will spend the evening with him, getting him anything he requires.

Every attendee is paired with a buddy, who is beneficial in many ways, overseeing their guest and making sure they are included in each station available, including photo booths.

When asked what Javon's favorite part of the dance will be, Hope responded that she believes he will like the pictures they take of him on the red carpet the best.

She said the family is excited about the event and currently looking for a suit that Javon can wear.

"I am happy that this opportunity came to our area," she concluded. "This is one of my dreams -- for Javon to attend prom. And it makes me happy that Toronto is having it because I went to my prom in Toronto."

Kayla Henry is a 28-year-old Steubenville resident who will be attending the dance with her mom, Lisa.

However, having the opportunity to walk the red carpet and attend the dance is not something new to Henry. She has already been blessed by taking part in a few "Night to Shine" events, according to her mother.

Lisa explained her daughter planned to go to the St. Clairsville event in 2020 and 2021.

However, COVID hit and plans changed. Rather than canceling the dance, Tebow decided those wanting to participate would still have the opportunity to go through a zoom party.

The Henrys heard about "Night to Shine" through Kara Erwin, regional director for The Arc of Ohio. Erwin is an advocate for Kayla and helps her with the social services and support. She needs to work independently while remaining at home.

Erwin put the Henrys in touch with Lisa Goodson, a single mom in St. Clairsville whose daughter was also attending the dance.

Upon reaching out, the mothers coordinated plans and Kayla went to their home for the prom.

A church donated the tiaras and everything needed for the zoom party, she added, noting all five girls danced and had as good of a time as they would have, if they had been at an actual prom.

This is the second year Erwin is playing the part of a volunteer.

She said she absolutely loves it and volunteers when the event is held in Moundsville.

"The best part is seeing them get down and dance," she said. "They are literally having such a good time. They are so cute and peppy. And the decorations are so amazing."

Erwin said Lisa Goodwin was able to get some state highway patrol officers to escort the girls down the sidewalk and into the house. She was living her best life."

Lisa Henry said her daughter loves every aspect of the "Night to Shine" event. "The whole thing in general -- from dancing, to the red carpet, to being escorted on a limo ride … they supply it all."

Kayla said her favorite part of the prom "being with my friends, having fun and dancing."

If Kayla does not attend the dance with anyone this year, she will be meeting up with friends when she arrives, her mother noted.

"To them it just means the world," Lisa Henry concluded. "The fact that they are bringing this to Jefferson County is just great. There is a lot of excitement about it."

Prichard explained upon entering the school, having been escorted to the building in a limo, guests are greeted with the flash of cameras of the paparazzi, who takes their photos as they walk down the red carpet.

Each attendee is partnered with a "buddy" for the evening. The buddy is someone who will help the guest with anything they may need throughout the evening, Prichard explained. "If they want food, the buddy will get them a plate or if they need to take a break, there are areas that are available that night."

"They will make sure that the guest gets their photo taken as a souvenir," she added. "They are their helper for the evening."

Prichard said some of the young adults come alone and the buddy will serve as a companion and talk to them during the evening.

"This is going to be so much fun for everyone," Prichard exclaimed, noting her excitement.

Prichard explained the community has already rallied around the event, expressing their willingness to help.

She said the community band has asked if they could play in the entryway of the school and in addition to Toronto's band and cheerleaders, those from surrounding school districts are interested in taking part in the welcoming of guests.

Key Clubs from various schools are interested in volunteering, too.

"We have had businesses wanting to donate flowers," she said, adding this event is truly bringing the community together. "It's just been incredible."

She stated another feature of the event is the opportunity for the girls to receive assistance with their hair and makeup touchups. If anyone needs anything to wear, help is available for that as well.

Those requiring these types of assistance will have to note it on the application, according to organizers.

A sensory room will be set up should anyone get overstimulated and need a place to relax, Prichard said.

A respite room will also be set up in the school should family members or caregivers want to go and take a moment to relax as well.

"I'm so excited that we will celebrate 10 years of Night to Shine this coming year," Tebow stated.

"All around the world, people with special needs are going to be cheered for on the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, be crowned a king or a queen of the prom ... but most importantly, they're going to hear that they are loved by the God of this universe," he said.

"We continue to be in awe of all God has done over the past nine years, but we believe He has even more in store," Tebow concluded.

"Every town, every village, every nation needs 'Night to Shine' because we want every person with special needs to know that they are one of one, created in love, by love and for love," he said.

Throughout the past nine years, 'Night to Shine,' through hundreds of churches from 56 countries, has provided more than half a million guest experiences, according to foundation officials.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event.

To apply to be a guest at the event, submit a request at https://forms.gle/L63sMrwGeTNRz4pT7. Applicants will be contacted upon their completed submission application.

Those wishing to volunteer for the event can complete a registration at https://forms.gle/eG3sHrMEfUPGrVsY8.

For additional information, visit Crossroads North River's Facebook page.

For information on Tim Tebow's foundation, go to timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine.

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