First Baptist Church of Americus was the venue for the Night to Shine on Feb. 8, for the fourth consecutive year.
The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, proves that everyone is loved by honoring people with special needs, from age 14 and above, with a special prom night that they will never forget.
Held this year on Feb. 8 simultaneously around the globe, the event features a red carpet, a king or queen crown for every honored guest, makeup and hair stations, games, snacks, a catered dinner, official photos, corsages and boutonnieres, prom favors, shoe shining areas, karaoke, limousine rides, and trolley rides, and best of all — a dance floor and music!
This event represents a massive effort in organization and logistics to ensure that every single guest — this year numbering 118 — has the time of their life.

We have been told by local organizers that some of the guests had never had an opportunity to be honored with a party or a dance or a prom until Night to Shine came to First Baptist in Americus four years ago. They felt they would never be included and could only wonder how it might be. This event has been a dream come true for so many people with special needs. If that doesn’t warm your heart, nothing will. The smiles on their faces is enough to produce a light strong enough to shine all around the world!
The awesome undertaking is accomplished locally by the Night to Shine Committee, and approximately 550 volunteers plus additional community support and participation. The special event would not be possible if not for the open hearts and hands of everyone involved in putting it on.
We applaud First Baptist Church and the committee for hosting such an amazing event again this year, as well as all the volunteers who stepped up. And we thank the Tim Tebow Foundation for finding a unique way to share the love.