Plant City’s First Baptist Church rolled out the red carpet Friday night, literally, nearly 200 guests with special needs got the royal treatment at its annual “Night to Shine” prom, sponsored by the Florida-based Tim Tebow Foundation established by the former NFL quarterback.
After being introduced and walking the red carpet amidst a throng of cheering people, guests had their choice of activities that included a lavish dinner buffet, singing in the karaoke rooms, getting down on the dance floor, taking a ride in a limousine, a shoe shine station, face painting, balloon art, and getting their photo taken with the Florida Strawberry Festival queen’s chair. For individuals who needed a break, they had the option to head to the sensory room to get away from the party. For parents and caregivers, a Respite Room with refreshments gave them a place to relax and recharge while their loved one enjoyed the festivities.
Event chairperson Lisa Hendricks is in her third year organizing the prom, which is held the Friday before Valentine’s Day. She said the prom requires a lot of work from 300 volunteers and dozens of sponsors to host the guests and 225 parents and caregivers but it’s worth the effort. “This is the very best night where we can honor our special guests and I just love to see everybody here and having fun,” she said. “This event shows how Plant City is just a great community.”
Each guest was assigned a volunteer buddy to make sure they were having a good time and their needs were being met. Robert Rupp, dressed in a snazzy suit, was his son Ryan’s buddy. Ryan broke his left arm and his dad wanted to make sure he didn’t exacerbate the injury. “I normally hang out with my wife and the other parents in the Respite Room and watch him having a good time on the television,” he said.
Even though he was injured, Ryan wasn’t going to let it stop him from having a good time. He was ready to dance with his friends. “Some of my friends that I go to school with are here tonight, too,” he said.
At 8 p.m., the crowning ceremony recognized every attendee as a King or Queen, the way God sees them each day.
Senior pastor Brian Stowe said the night is a way to recognize people with special needs and their caregivers. “When we heard about this event, we knew we wanted to participate because this is a group of people that get overlooked and this is their night to make them a big deal and show them the we love them and God loves them,” he said. “Jesus did say “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it unto me.”
Acts of kindness and compassion to others are actions towards Christ himself.
