https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xecVRCaW9K8

An Unforgettable Prom Night Experience

Created for Individuals with Special Needs

TWO LOCATIONS THIS YEAR!!!

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. This coming year, on Friday, February 10, 2023, Night to Shine will celebrate its ninth anniversary as hundreds of churches and volunteers come together to honor thousands of guests with special needs. RVA will have TWO LOCATIONS this year!! COOL SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH in Mechanicsville and HOPE CHURCH in Richmond are so excited to join other churches around the globe in hosting this unforgettable night at their respective campuses!
See what to expect!

You're a Star and this is

YOUR Night to Shine

Frequently Asked Questions

We want to answer all your questions!  We have put a list of FAQs together below.  But if you don’t see your question answered, please reach out to us at [email protected].

QUESTIONS RELATED TO GUESTS:

Q: Will there be an event at Altria this year?

A: We were unable to secure Altria as a venue this year but are so excited to bring the event to two of our local church sponsors.  This also allows us to keep our event size more manageable, and less overwhelming for some of our guests!

Q: Is there a cost to attend?

A:  There is no cost for the Guest to attend!

Q: What is the dress for the Guest?

A: This is your chance to shine!  Get as dressy as you want!  Suggested dress for Ladies… church dresses/dressy slacks to semi formal and long formal wear!  Suggested dress for Men…from khakis and button down with tie to suit or Tux!

Q: Is the Guest required to wear formal wear?

A:  While this is a Prom, and most of our guests enjoy dressing up in semi formal and formal wear, our first concern is the comfort of the guest.  If the guest does not want to dress up, we do not require it.

Q: Will food be served?

A: Yes!  We will provide a full sit down dinner to all guests.  If your guest has food allergies, please indicate so on the Registration form.  We will accommodate such food allergies as Dairy, Tree Nut, Peanuts, Gluten Free.  If Guest needs to be fed through a feeding tube or have their food processed, we ask that the parent/caregiver handle those needs.

Q: Will the music be loud? Will there be flashing/strobe lighting at the dance?

A: This is a dance, and we do want our guests to be able to dance and have a good time so music will be loud enough for everyone to hear in a crowded room, but not blaring. For those with noise sensitivity issues, we do recommend bringing headphones.  While we may have up-lighting around the room, we will have no flashing or strobe lights at the dance.

Q: Are the parents/caregivers allowed to stay?

A:  That is up to you!  You are welcome to stay or enjoy some time to yourself or with your spouse!  If you choose to stay, we ask that you remain in the Parent/Caregiver room on the second floor.  We will have light snacks in the Parent/Caregiver room and invite you to watch dancing from the balcony.  For the security of our guests, and to minimize crowding, we do ask that you do not wander the facility but remain in these designated areas.

We only ask that if you leave, you confirm at registration that we have the correct emergency contact information on file.

Q: Can I request a specific Buddy for my Guest?

A: Yes, we will try to honor all requests for a specific Buddy, however, the Buddy you request must be a registered volunteer (have the Buddy register at www.nightoshinerva.com) and have a background check verified and on file with us.  There is a spot on the registration form where you can indicate your requested Buddy.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO VOLUNTEERS:

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer?

A:  We are asking that all volunteers be 16 years of age or older, simply due to the needs of our guests.

Q: What positions are available for me to volunteer for?

A:  Our greatest need is volunteers to serve as a Buddy for one of the guests.  Each Guest will be assigned a Buddy who will remain with them the entire evening, helping to create a special night for them to remember!  We are expecting about 250+ Guests to register and therefore will need 250 Buddies!  And please do not think you have to be a teen to be a buddy. We have guests that range in age from 14 to 100, and we need buddies of all ages and experience.

We will also need individuals to help be table monitors, help with volunteer registration, help our photographers, be part of the Karaoke team, help with loading/unloading limousines, traffic attendants, etc.  We will need over 300 volunteers!

Q: Do I have to have previous experience volunteering with individuals with disabilities?

A:  You do not.  You only have to have a desire to want to be a part of this event and make this night special for our guests, showing them God’s love!

Q: Your site says that I will have to have a background check. Can you tell me more about that.

A: Yes, due to the safety of all of our guests, the Tim Tebow Foundation requires that all of our volunteers age 18 and older have a recent background check.  At the end of your registration you will be directed to the website of a Security Search company that we have partnered with to fill out information to initiate a Background Check.  The churches are  picking up the cost of this background check.  Once we have been notified that your background check is “clear”, we will send you an email notifying you that you have been approved as a volunteer.

If you are under the age of 18, a background check is not required, however, you will be asked to have a Parent Waiver Form on file with us before volunteering.  You will find the Waiver Form built into our registration site.

Q: What is the dress for the Volunteers?

A:  Your dress depends on your role.  If you are a Buddy, we ask that you dress nicely.  For ladies that could be a nice dress/nice slacks to a semi formal dress or a formal dress.  For men we suggest khakis and button down with tie, to suit or even tux!  All other non –buddy volunteer positions will be asked to wear black pants and a white shirt.

Q: Will I receive any training prior to the night of the event?

A: Absolutely!  In fact, training is mandatory for all Volunteers.  We want everyone to be prepared and our night to go flawlessly for our guests.  Buddies will be asked to attend Training on the evening of January 29th at the host church location.  The backup training and training for all Non Buddy positions will be held the evening of February 5th at  the host church location. Please mark your calendars now.  We will run through the event flow, give you information regarding your Guest (if applicable), and go over rules and tips for working with individuals with disabilities.

Q: I cannot help the night of the event. Are there any other roles that I can help with?

A: We will be holding some decorating prep events prior to the event, and will also need help decorating the day of the event.  Other small tasks may also arise.  Please email the event teams and let them know you are willing to help!  Cool Spring:  [email protected]; Hope Church: [email protected].

Additionally if you have any gently used prom/bridesmaids/formal dresses that you are willing to donate, we would love to have them.  Our plan is to offer a night to come “shop for free” for our lady guests so they pick out their perfect gown for the ball!  If you have dresses that you are willing to donate you may drop them off at Cool Spring Baptist at the Rec Center Desk, in the Church Office at Hope Church or at Berea Church in Western Hanover.