FORT SMITH, Ark. — The 9th annual Night to Shine prom was held in Fort Smith today.
A Night to Shine is a part of the Tim Tebow Foundation, designed as a prom style celebration for those with special needs.
The event was held on Feb. 9 at churches across the country. West Ark Church of Christ has hosted the event in Fort Smith for 9 years.
"It means everything to us. West Ark has always said that. We host this event, Tim Tebow Foundation inspired the event. But we share this with everyone in our community," Chris Benjamin, the pastor at West Ark said. "We invite everybody to come and join us in this. It means so much to us that people were coming to be a part of this because it helps us know that we've got all the support."
The event has everything like a traditional prom and more, including dinner, dancing, royal hair and makeup, karaoke, and games. This year, they had more volunteers than ever, as they want a 3-to-1 ratio between buddies to kings and queens. Lots of the volunteers said they've made this an annual tradition for themselves.
"I really connected with my buddy Sarah. I got to be her buddy for two more years after that. And then I just saw the impact that it not only had on those with special needs and those that are differently abled, but also the community and how it just brought everyone together for a special night" said Allison Strasser, who's volunteered ever since the beginning. "I call this my favorite night of the year. It was more fun than my own prom and I will always say that. But I just I see how people are celebrated that don't typically get celebrated."
"It is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever made. And I think all of us remember our days back in high school junior high. When we went to the proms and our dances, how we got prettied up and just how much fun and magic that night was. said Capt. Daniel Grubbs with the Fort Smith Police Department." And for everyone involved in this, you just see so much happiness all night long."
"I think just the way you see the community come out, really get together and participate in support a group that often get neglected or not always considered and other things" said Ethan Benjamin, who's volunteered as a character every year.
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