The Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) has given host churches around the United States the resources to host events and ministries for individuals with disabilities, including Night to Shine and Shine On.
Night to Shine, a prom centered on God’s love for people with special needs held simultaneously around the world on the Friday before Valentine’s Day each year, is not just an event, but an invitation into a community that values, honors and supports people with special needs and their families. Night to Shine, is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Celebrated annually through church hosts around the world simultaneously on the Friday before Valentine’s Day each year, this event has established itself as an official invitation for people with special needs and their families to find a community of support through their local church and the volunteers who welcome them with open, loving arms. In 2021, Night to Shine was hosted at 23 locations around Ohio. To find a church that offer the Night to Shine experience, go to https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine
Night to Shine has since become a catalyst for additional programming intentionally designed to create year-round impact and true life change in the communities hosting the event. To support and encourage this growth, the foundation has launched Shine On as a resource to connect new and emerging special needs ministries with partners who can respond to their individual needs with customized programming, curriculum and guidance. Formed by a longtime desire to see churches worldwide extend their individual Night to Shine proms into year-round ministries, Shine On is a resource several years in the making. This unique program is dedicated to connecting new and growing special needs programs within local churches to world-class faith-based resources that train, guide, and support churches as they serve their local community of people with special needs. Shine On profiles nine world-class special needs ministries already working on the ground both domestically and abroad; ministries who have graciously agreed to lend their wealth of knowledge and expertise to Night to Shine host churches already serving and celebrating people with special needs. Included in this group of advisors are All Belong Center for Inclusive Education, Champions Club, Friendship Ministries, Joni and Friends, Key Ministry, Nathaniel’s Hope, Rising Above Ministries, Young Life Capernaum, and 99 Balloons.
In addition to providing an introduction to the amazing organizations listed above, Shine On also includes direction and support from TTF staff including assets such as a calendar of events and activities to use as inspiration in creating community among people with special needs. Each activity is designed to include Christ-centered elements and teachings, further affirming the message that those with special needs are dearly loved by the Creator, and that there is great purpose for their lives. Shine On is expressed internationally through International Education & Resource Centers as well as emerging International Special Needs Coalitions.
