SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va. — The Church at Depot is one of more than 100 churches worldwide that will host a prom night for people with special needs.
“Night to Shine,” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, will be Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the Teays Valley Christian School in Scott Depot.
The event is free of charge and open to any special needs person ages 16 and older.
“It’s a night to show them that they’re important to us and to share God’s love with them,” said Renee Gorrell, one of 165 volunteers.
There will be hair and makeup stations for ladies and shoe shining for gentlemen before the event. Then, they will take a limo ride around the facility to the event.
“They will arrive on the red carpet. There will be paparazzi and they will enter the venue. There’s a section set up to have prom pictures with a professional photographer, a DJ, the dance floor, lights and a lot of love going around, of course food,” Gorrell said. “It’s just like your traditional prom.”
Each guest will be paired up with a volunteer who will escort them throughout the night.
But the guests won’t be the only ones to receive special treatment, Gorrell said. A room will also be set up for parents and caregivers during the night. Manicures, head and neck massages, food, music and more will available.
“It’s just also a time for the caregiver to get away, relax while their loved one’s having a blast at the prom,” she said.
Just like any prom night, there will also be a crowning moment for prom king and queen.
To prepare for the event, the Tim Tebow Foundation provided each church with detailed instructions, a prom kit with decorations, gifts and finances.
This is this second year churches worldwide will host “Night to Shine.” Last year, 44 churches and venues got involved, but this year that number doubled.
As of Thursday morning, Gorrell said 80 guests were expected to attend.
To register online, visit the Church at Depot’s website or call 304-757-9166.