TRAVERSE CITY — A red carpet experience with all the fanfare awaits a special group of party-goers.
New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg presents “A Night to Shine” on Feb. 13. The prom-like event honors those with special needs and is one of 850 Tim Tebow Foundation-inspired events taking place around the globe the Friday before Valentine’s Day.
Christian Brower, church student ministries pastor and local event coordinator, said New Hope’s initial celebration in 2025 drew 139 guests with a range of cognitive and physical disabilities.
Guests are accompanied by caregivers and matched with volunteer partners to safely navigate them through the festivities. February’s gala is expected to embrace 200 individuals supported by 300 volunteers.
Volunteer Amy Maris returns to lend a hand this year.
“It was one of the most moving nights I’ve ever been a part of,” Maris said. “The guests of honor are some of the sweetest, most endearing people.”
Guests ride a limousine to the party site where they walk the red carpet lined with cheering supporters. Once inside, they are pampered at a hair/makeup or shoeshine station. Activities feature a catered dinner with options to meet various dietary needs. Live music, dancing and karaoke ramp up the fun. Volunteer photographers shoot professional photos of each guest, making prints available to take home.
A sensory room designed for the event by social workers provides space for anyone experiencing overstimulation.
“It’s place to go to calm down,” Brower said. “It allows using the senses to return to a normal state.”
A respite room invites caregivers, who may seldom receive a break, to receive pampering and enjoy fellowship. Brower said caregivers are often isolated and lose community. The respite room links caregivers living with similar challenges. With a dozen physicians and EMTs in the building, caregivers can relax knowing their honored guest is well looked after. They enjoy a catered meal, chair massages and gift bags.
“New Hope wanted to make caregivers and parents feel loved,” said Danielle Nelson. “They spoiled us.”
Nelson is the mother of Jeremiah, 9, one of the youngest honored guests attending the 2025 event.
Jeremiah suffers from spina bifida, a condition affecting the spine.
“It means the world to me to see so many people set aside an afternoon and evening to love on others,” Nelson said.
A crowning ceremony caps the evening. Every special guest is called to the stage where they receive a crown or tiara to loud cheers and applause. For Jeremiah, it was the highlight of the night.
“He loved being crowned,” Nelson said. “He had the biggest smile on his face. He still has the crown displayed in his room.”
Night to Shine concludes with a balloon drop.
New Hope underwrites the event as part of the 1,500-member congregation’s ministries supporting special needs individuals, including Sunday sessions for the disabled and a summer camp.
Although Night to Shine is a free event, registration is required. Go to newhope.cc/shine for more information and to register.