Appreciation for the “Night to Shine” prom event

This follow-up to yesterday’s blog by Warren about the special prom event our students and residents were so happy to attend last month includes additional photos and appreciation.

On February 8th, Latham students and adult residents attended “Night to Shine” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation at the Gateway Christian Church in Cotuit. Night to Shine is a unique prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older. On one night, 655 churches around the world host Night to Shine prom events for approximately 100,000 guests through the support of 200,000 volunteers. Latham attendees were among 150 honored guests from the Cape special needs community. Donated prom dresses were available to wear for the evening and volunteers were on hand to apply make-up and style hair. After pinning on their corsages and boutonnieres, guests were treated to dinner and a limousine ride before entering the prom in a glamorous ballroom decorated with lights and video screens. Each woman received a tiara and each man a crown before they walked the red carpet, lined with “paparazzi” including Night to Shine “buddy” volunteers and a professional photographer. There was even a step and repeat area where guests posed for photographs before entering the prom.

The mission of the Tim Tebow Foundation is to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. Night to Shine offers a wonderful inclusive prom experience for special needs teens and adults. The volunteers at Gateway Christian Church went out of their way to create a memorable evening. They accommodated the food security needs our staff had requested to keep our students and adult residents safe, and they enthusiastically invited Latham to participate again next year. Latham Centers wishes to thank the Tim Tebow Foundation, and the Gateway Christian Church and their enthusiastic, dedicated cadre of volunteers for creating an evening of community connection and memories for our individuals.

Submitted by Heather Kelsey, Director of Development