Special needs prom scheduled for Feb. 12
Valentine's Day weekend will once again be extra special for so many of the special needs boys and girls, men and women around the world.
The second "Night to Shine," a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12.
Night to Shine is a luxurious prom designed for special needs individuals age 16 and older, giving all who attend an opportunity to dress up, go dancing and be treated like movie stars — red carpet, paparazzi and all.
"There's going to be a limo, there is going to be food, and crowns and tiaras for everybody," said Wendy Carroll, board member for Special Needs Recreation in Coeur d'Alene.
Carroll said SNR has hosted many proms independently over the years, and are excited to have joined the worldwide event because they no longer have to charge the participants for anything — the royal treatment of the guests is now free to all who attend. She said Tebow donated nearly $9,000 to Real Life Ministries in Post Falls for the prom. In turn, Real Life is working with SNR to give the guests the best experience possible.
Carroll said this year, 200 churches in 12 different countries will simultaneously host a Night to Shine event.
"So it's a pretty big deal," she said.
She said former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow will be making an appearance at two of the venues, but the foundation will not reveal which two.
Carroll said they expect around 200 participants this year.
She said the prom has been quite popular in the past and the participants even start asking their dates months ahead of time.
"It's quite a sight to see," she said. "Looking at them in their tuxes and their gowns — they just look beautiful and they have the time of their lives."
Staff from Traci and Charlis Salon in Hayden will arrive at the church at 4:30 p.m., so when the women arrive they can get their hair, makeup and nails done. A shoe-shine station will be available for the guys to spiffy up as well.
Limo rides will begin at 5 p.m., transporting guests from one section of Real Life to the entrance of the prom where the red carpet and cameras will await them.
Carroll said Steve at Touchdown Tuxedos in Post Falls is offering a great deal for the guys. For $29.95 he will provide a tux with everything needed, including shoes.
An area of the church will be reserved for family members of the guests. That way, Carroll said, they can stay and be close, but they will be able to stay out of the way.
Registration and information is available online at the SNR website, snridaho.org.