Larry McCormack

lmccormack@tennessean.com

Friendship Community Church, along with more than 200 churches around the world, hosted a Night to Shine sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation on Friday night.

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 16 and older, according to the event's media release. This worldwide movement was set to take place in 48 states and seven countries.

The guests of Night to Shine got the chance to experience a red carpet, complete with friendly paparazzi, full VIP treatment including hair and makeup, shoe shines, corsages and boutonnieres, karaoke and dancing. The highlight of the evening included the crowning of a king and queen of the prom.

“We are honored to be able to work with so many churches across the county and around the world to impact the lives of people with special needs,” said Erik Dellenback, executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“After such an amazing response to the inaugural event held in 44 locations in 2015, our prayer is that this event will one day change the face of Valentine’s Day weekend from simply a celebration of love, to a celebration of God’s love for people with special needs.”

As sponsor of Night to Shine, the Tim Tebow Foundation provided each host church with a detailed instruction manual, a Prom Kit complete with decorations and gifts for the guests, financial support and individualized staff guidance.

Last year's Night to Shine events included 44 hosts churches, 15,000 volunteers and more than 7,000 kings and queens of the proms. The numbers are expected to rise to more than 20,000 people with special needs attending the proms.

For more information visit: http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/index.php/night-to-shine/

For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Friendship Community Church visit http://www.achurchforyou.org/nighttoshine