Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine Lights Up Gaston County

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – Churches across the globe are opening their doors to a night of dancing, singing and celebration. Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a prom inspired event. It benefits those with diverse abilities. 

Come Friday, February 9, 2024, volunteers and guests alike will don dresses and suits as they prepare to dance the night away. Each year, the Tim Tebow Foundation selects a night for the event and hundreds of churches participate worldwide.

This is the second year Anthony Grove Baptist Church in Cherryville, N.C., has hosted Night to Shine. Sarah and Trey Newton are the coordinators of the event. The two volunteers expressed excitement about the night.

The Newtons came across Night to Shine through social media. Trey Newton stumbled across a social media post from the Tim Tebow Foundation asking for churches to host the events. Trey Newton has attended Anthony Grove for 16 years and thought it would be the perfect venue.

“We’re just really excited and blessed to be able to bring this event to our church and our community and just focus solely on these individuals and give them a special night.” said Trey Newton. 

Sarah Newton excitedly shared how the church transforms into the prom of a teen’s dreams. Between balloon arch decor and rolling out the red carpet, volunteers for Night to Shine have no hesitation when it comes to decorating. 

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning and dedication. The volunteers are charged with organizing and operating all the night’s events. The Cherryville event will offer karaoke, a glow station, friendship bracelet table, limo rides and more fun activities. 

“It’s just so heartwarming and rewarding to know that we spend a few hours with someone and it has a lasting impact on them and on us. It changes so many lives.” said Sarah Newton with a smile.

Of course, it would not be a prom without dancing. After guests walk the red carpet and sign into the event, they are guided by volunteers to the sanctuary. For one night out of the year, the sanctuary transforms into a dance floor, opening its doors to anybody willing to bust a move. 

Night to Shine is a popular event. Aside from the Cherryville function, the City of Gastonia also holds Night to Shine every year at Southminster Church. Alan Routhier is a committee member for Gastonia’s event. He said Southminster Church has hosted the event for nine years.

“Our population looks forward to this event, 364 days in advance, so it’s a huge night.” said Routhier. 

He said there are between 400 and 500 attendees between volunteers and guests. The volunteers look forward to the night just as much as the guests. Each individual is responsible for a particular task. 

“We have paparazzi, which is where you’re down the red carpet and you’re actually cheering on our guests, you [could] be a buddy to one of our guests So that’s also a very important role because every guest that we have on, we have to have a buddy for.” said Routhier. 

The buddies’ tasks are some of the most important of the night. They stay with the attendees and escort them through the event. The buddy system in Night to Shine introduces participants to new friends they might not have met otherwise.

Routhier and Trey Newton will act as the masters of ceremony for their respective events. They will announce the attendees as they walk down the red carpet. 

“That’s one of my highlights of the night just to see them and everybody’s out there cheering them on, applauding them. And they’re just rock stars, you know, they’re celebrities for the night.” said Trey Newton. 

Although Night to Shine is a great time for the volunteers, it means the world to the attendees. The night is catered to them, acting as a confidence booster and outlet for creative expression. The guests go all out on their outfits, dressing to the nines for this special occasion. 

“I was talking to someone earlier today, a guest that has been waking up for the past two weeks and every day asking, “hey is it night to shine day?” So there’s a lot of excitement for this event.” said Trey Newton.

Both churches are always looking for volunteers. It takes a lot of coordination to put on this event and the more hands on deck the better. Anthony Grove begins registration for volunteers and guests around October, months before Night to Shine. 

Routhier said Southminster Church is always looking for more committee members, volunteers who are integral in the organizing process. A committee member is involved year round, brainstorming ideas, contacting vendors and initiating community outreach to ensure the event is well manned. 

“We’re always looking for new friendly faces for the committee, and it takes a lot of work. But we are always looking for volunteers for the actual day of the event, [to] help set up for the event and things like that.” said Routhier. 

Both churches recommend getting involved early for volunteers and attendees. These are the only two Night to Shine events in Gaston County, and the spots fill up quickly. Both events had waitlists this year and the attendance is only expected to grow in the coming years. 

Guests have to be 14 to sign up, however there is no maximum age limit. Last year, Southminster Church welcomed an attendee who was in his 80s. All people with diverse abilities are encouraged to participate.

Night to Shine is more than just a prom. It is a testament to inclusivity, community engagement and spreading joy. As volunteers and guests prepare to sparkle on the dance floor, it is not only the night that will shine. After the event concludes, participants will eagerly anticipate next year’s edition.

Interested in volunteering next year? Visit the churches websites to get involved!

• Southminster Church in Gastonia: https://southminsterchurch.com/night-to-shine-2022/
• Anthony Grove Baptist Church in Cherryville: https://www.anthonygrove.org/get-involved/

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