GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP – The New Life Christian Fellowship in Grand Blanc Township hosted its third Night to Shine program that celebrates people with special needs on Friday, Feb. 7.

The church is just one of over 720 churches internationally hosting the event sponsored by former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.

The program first kicked off in the Grand Blanc area after a mother of a child with special needs made the suggestion. This year, 95 guests plus their parents were in attendance, which was more than ever before.

Some guests like 64-year-old Donna Metz have been lucky enough to return every year.

“I’m just happy as can be,” said Metz. “When I get home, I’m going to sit down and write a nice letter to Tim Tebow.”

Over 275 volunteers worked behind the scenes to transform the church into a maze of sparkles and lights. More than half of the volunteers are not church-goers, but community members who heard about the event through friends.

Aliyah Jamison, 22, a physical assistant at Group Living Facilities, said her residents look forward to the event months in advance.

“This is their time to shine by themselves,” said Jamison.

Sara Kreger, the event coordinator, makes sure there is a room designed for everyone to explore – including a party bus, dance floor, game room and quiet rooms for guests who can become overstimulated.

“Their parents get to see other people cheering for their kids and celebrating who they are,” said Kreger. “It just encourages you to imagine what the world would be like if we treated people the way we just treated all of our guests.”