TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Five years ago, Night to Shine was created by Tim Tebow as a way to celebrate the special needs community, with 44 locations, including Tallahassee.
Now, there are over 650 locations worldwide, with Tallahassee expecting nearly 1,000 guests Friday night.
Guests have gotten their hair and makeup done, shoes shined, and had some fun at the pre-prom block party, and now they're starting to walk the red carpet, with paparazzi lined up on either side.
This prom is a way to make each guest feel special by giving them a night full of dancing, photos, karaoke, and even animal therapy, a new addition for the year.
Night to Shine takes place each year the Friday before Valentines Day, in an effort to change the meaning of the holiday, from a celebration of love, to a celebration of love for the special needs community.
Listening to the stories, and seeing each guest smile, you can tell that everyone truly feels celebrated.
"To hear stories where after Night to Shine, when they get home that night, they're already asking 'when is the next Night to Shine?' It's stories where they were crowned prom king and queen and on Monday morning when they're going into their jobs or school or the groups that they're with and they're still wearing those crowns and tiaras, that's what makes it worth it," said Rachel Ritter, Night to Shine Director.
Ritter also said that there is a parent reception that's happening as well to show love to the families and caretakers of these remarkable guests.
