Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Night to Shine?
Night to Shine is open to anyone with special needs ages 14 and older. Due to screening and safety requirements only the honored guest and his / her assigned buddy will be allowed into the dinner and dance area. area. Parents / caretakers may take pictures at the Grand Entrance, and then only one parent will remain onsite and proceed to a separate room with coffee and refreshments to enjoy.
Can a guest bring his or her own date / buddy / caregiver to the event?
Nobody signs up to attend Night To Shine with a date. Every guest signs up to attend individually. If two guests want to sit at the same table and spend time with each other at the event, they are encouraged to arrive together and both guests will meet their buddies at registration. We are required to provide each guest with an age-appropriate buddy on a 1:1 basis who is trained and who completes a national criminal file database screening. Buddies are not "dates." They are friends to dance with, dine with, and get to know during the evening. Only with proper medical documentation and prior approval from the guest coordinator may a guest bring their own caregiver as a buddy. This caregiver must complete the same buddy training and background screening as every other buddy.
What activities are provided at Night to Shine?
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 corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, prom favors for each honored guest, a coffee house room for parents and caretakers, and, of course, dancing! The highlight of the night comes when every one of the Night to Shine guests is crowned a king or queen of the prom!
What will everyone eat?
We are unable to make food accommodations (gluten free, dairy free, etc). If your child has a special diet please bring a disposable brown bag lunch for them (no lunch boxes or Tupperware). It is also a really good idea to have a healthy afternoon snack or light meal since many guests will be too excited to eat.
What should I wear?
We encourage you to dress up in your favorite formal wear (dress, gown, suit or tux) or whatever makes you feel beautiful or handsome!
What positions can I volunteer for?
Volunteers will be able to serve in some of the following way: Activity Stations, Decorating, Flowers, Food Service, Guest Buddy, Guest and Volunteer Check-In, Paparazzi, Coffee House / Caregiver Room, Sensory Room, Set-Up, Tear Down, and more!
Are there other event locations?
Night to Shine will be hosted on the same date by hundreds of churches around the globe. To see if there is a host church closer to you, please visit www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine.