On Feb. 12, The Genesis Project Church located at HUB 801 in Ogden hosted “Night to Shine,” an event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom experience for adults with special needs.

The American football free agent and his foundation started this program because they wanted those with special needs to feel important and know they are loved not only by their community, but by God.

The Ogden community hosted over 150 adults with disabilities, pampered approximately 200 family members and caregivers and had over 500 local volunteers including members of the Weber State LDS Institute.

The night began with volunteers from Avalon School of Cosmetology making sure each guest had a fabulous hairstyle and the proper prom attire. Once inside, the guests walked along a red carpet and were photobombed by paparazzi. There were no shortage of smiles as every visitor posed for the camera.

The guests met their buddies and were escorted into the dance where they were pinned with boutonnieres or given corsages. There were photo booths, limousine rides, karaoke machines, a balloon drop and a night full of dancing.

Before the event concluded, Tim Tebow, via video, presented a special message to all of the guests letting them know that they were loved all over the world.

Following the presentation, each guest had their name read and was given the opportunity to walk to the center of the dance floor and be crowned prom kings and queens.

Over 30,000 individuals with special needs were honored across 48 states and seven countries. The Genesis Project and other members of the Ogden community left the event with full hearts from a very humbling experience. This was Ogden’s first time hosting the event, but it definitely won’t be the last.