DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Night to Shine is a favorite night for many of the people at Macon Resources Inc. It's a prom experience for adults with disabilities, where they get the chance to dance, sing, eat food and spend time with their friends.Â
It all starts with a red carpet walk, where each honored guest struts their stuff, while they are introduced by an announcer.
"By far my favorite moment is the red carpet," said Adam Hamerlinck, missions and discipleship pastor at First Christian Church. "For about 45 minutes straight, people walking on the red carpet and their name is said something fun about them and shared. The place is going crazy, and they really feel special on the red carpet."Â
Each of the honored guests is accompanied by a buddy, who is a volunteer from the community. They stay together throughout the night, connecting and learning more about each other.Â
"I love the prom, I go every year," said Angie, one of the honored guests who was crowned queen. "It makes me happy and joyful. I'm excited for Night to Shine!"Â
Three-hundred honored guests were celebrated, with over 400 members of the community volunteering to help. Organizers said so many people wanted to volunteer, they had to close sign-ups early.Â
"Just to see the Decatur community come out to help the people we serve is so rewarding," said Amy Bliefnick, president and CEO of Macon Resources Inc. "It's just such a wonderful, wonderful display of God's love."Â
Night to Shine happens on the same night across the world. More than 600 locations in the United States hosted Night to Shine on Friday night.Â
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