Night to Shine in need of volunteer 'buddies' for red carpet event

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — GT Church and First Christian Church, in partnership with Macon Resources and the Tim Tebow Foundation, are seeking volunteers for this year's Night to Shine.

The nationwide event provides a prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and above. Guests enter the event through a red carpet experience with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including corsages and boutonnieres, beverages and snacks, karaoke, prom favors, and a dance floor.

Volunteers, or “Buddies,” accompany the honored guests throughout the event and are critical to the success of Night to Shine. Buddies and honored guests are paired one-on-one and get to enjoy the festivities of the evening together.

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“The magic of Night to Shine is not limited to the honored guests; the joy and fulfillment I’ve experienced volunteering at the event is second to none," said Olivia Lett, Head Coach of Millikin Women’s Basketball. “I encourage our team, families, and friends to serve at the event to be part of an unforgettable night.”

Locally, Night to Shine is hosted by GT Church and First Christian Church, in partnership with Macon Resources and the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“Being a buddy is so rewarding,” says Amy Bliefnick, President/CEO of Macon Resources. “Serving people with disabilities is what we do every day, but seeing other people who don’t typically work with this population discover their talents and abilities brings us so much joy. I’ve seen many lifelong friendships formed from this event.”

Night to Shine will be held on Feb. 9, at GT Church from 6-8:30 p.m. Registration is open on GT Church's website. Volunteer registration is on First Christian’s and Macon Resources’ website. GT, First Christian, and MRI are accepting donations and sponsorships for this event.

To Register to Volunteer, visit here.