For the first time, Holly Brook Baptist Church recently hosted “Night to Shine,” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Night to Shine is “unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older.” According to Tara Perkins, the organizer of the event and herself a mother of a special needs adult, guests “14 to 110” are welcome. HBBC’s event featured a photo booth, a free meal for guests and parents, free parking, free prom dresses and suit coats/accessories (when available), a free salon area for girls to get their hair and makeup done, and so much more.

“Everything is free,” said Perkins. “We love everybody, so we want everyone to have a fun night, and enjoy the night, and just have a blast.”

Night to Shine is focused on children, adults and even seniors with special needs. Special needs people and their caretakers are invited to the event. According to Perkins, the event features a respite room for caretakers and parents to stay and be served in. It also has a “sensory room” for those who may need a space to escape the noise, as well as a changing room “in case of an undergarment change.”

According to Perkins, attendees of Night to Shine “are to be made (to) feel as special as possible; we try to spread the word of God to them, and let them know that they are wonderfully made in the image of God.”

Each participant receives a crown or tiara, in addition to a special “backpack full of goodies to take home after the prom.” They are also cheered down a red carpet upon entrance into the event.

“The word of God is to be spread to all people, not just people who can see, or hear, or walk. We want to spread it to all people,” said Perkins. “That’s what we’re called to do, is to spread the word of God and show love to all. …if we could just plant the seed, that little mustard seed, then it would make it all worth it. Just tell one person, so we could have one more person in Heaven.”