Prom for special needs persons

Taylor Wells is looking forward to walking the red carpet at the Night to Shine prom event in Brookhaven on February 9, 2024. She’s previously attended the event in Hattiesburg and can’t wait to meet her assigned volunteer “buddy” who will accompany her throughout the night. Taylor’s caregivers benefit, too, as they are treated to a catered supper on site and enjoy a little time of rest and encouragement. Individuals with special needs who are 14 years of age and older are invited to attend. The event is free, and registration is required. Those interested should call Easthaven Baptist Church at 601-833-2597.

  Easthaven Baptist Church will host the 2024 Night to Shine, a global prom night experience for people with special needs who are at least 14 years old.

Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and community donors, Night to Shine events are held simultaneously by host churches around the world on the same night, creating a truly unified and special moment for all those involved.  The Brookhaven Night to Shine will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Easthaven Baptist Church.

“Easthaven is excited to be a part of this worldwide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved,” says planning volunteer Celeste Williamson.

This will be the first year for the Brookhaven area event.

Night to Shine is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Each guest will be assigned a volunteer buddy to escort them through the evening. While each event is a little different, some activities include a red-carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a respite room for parents and caregivers, a sensory room, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest receives a crown or tiara.

Over the years, Night to Shine, through hundreds of churches from 56 different countries, has provided over half a million guest experiences. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Night to Shine.

“I’m so excited that we will celebrate 10 years of Night to Shine this coming year,” says Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.  “All around the world, people with special needs are going to be cheered for on the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, be crowned a king or a queen of the prom.   Most importantly, they’re going to hear that they are loved by the God of this universe. We continue to be in awe of all God has done over the past nine years, but we believe He has even more in store. Every town, every village, every nation needs Night to Shine because we want every person with special needs to know that they are one of one, created in love, by love and for love.”

Easthaven Baptist Pastor Hal Kitchings adds "we are so excited to bring the Night to Shine experience to Brookhaven. This event is a beautiful reminder that all of us are worthy of love, respect, and a special night out. We can't wait to celebrate with our honored guests and their caregivers and show them the love of Christ."

In addition to the prom for the honored guests, there will also be a special dinner and activities planned for the caregivers of honored guest. “Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of their loved ones, and this dinner will provide them with a well-deserved while their loved-one is cared for at the prom,” says Williamson.

To register to attend or for more information, visit www.easthaven.net/nighttoshine or contact the church office at (601) 833-2597. 

Williamson reports the local NTS organizers are seeking support of local businesses in sponsoring the event.  Sponsorships can be arranged at  www.easthaven.net/nighttoshine or by contacting nighttoshine@easthaven.net.

Information about the worldwide Night to Shine movement and the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit: www.timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine.

Easthaven Baptist Church is welcoming community of faith located in Brookhaven on Highway 84 East. Easthaven offers a variety of ministries for all ages, including Sunday School, Bible studies, youth and college groups, music, and a thriving preschool/childcare.  The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.  It provides outreach in Orphan Care + Prevention, Special Needs, Profound Medical Needs, and Anti- Human Trafficking & Child Exploitation.