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Written by Becky McSeddon

What made February 9th a special day for more than 130 Lake Havasu City community members?

It was a “shining night.”

“Night to Shine” is a prom night experience for people with special needs that was launched in 2014 by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

According to its website, the Tim Tebow Foundation “exists to bring faith, hope and love to those who need a brighter day in the darkest of circumstances.”

Tebow is a former Heisman Trophy-winning football player who played professionally for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The details of this special event made possible by volunteers and organizers are not left to chance. Night to Shine is hosted by churches around the world and is held annually on the Friday before Valentine's Day.

This year's local “Night to Shine” was hosted by Calvary Baptist Church.

“We want every guest to feel valued and know that they are loved and created in God's image and have value and purpose,” said local event coordinator Amber Smith. We want to make them feel special, love them and serve them the best we can.

“We have red carpets, limousines, dancing, karaoke, catered dinners from local restaurants in Havasu, and more. Sensory rooms. Lots of fun for guests throughout the night,” she says. I did.

Among the more than 400 volunteers was Rhonda Standberry, who helped guests with their makeup.

This was Standsberry's third “Night to Shine” event.

“I love interacting with all the members. I love coming in and seeing everyone's smiling faces. It's something they look forward to every year. It's been two years since we've had a venue so we're really looking forward to it. “I'm looking forward to it and everyone will look very beautiful,” she said.

Ashley Harris also served as a makeup assistant for the first-ever “Night to Shine” guests.

“I'm so excited to be able to smile and interact with everyone. I'm really happy to be here because it's a very special event,” Harris said.

Smith added that volunteers played a variety of roles at the event.

“There are people registering in the parking lot. People serving food. People cheering on the red carpet and in the karaoke room. There are security guards and medical staff. People in the sensory room are dancing…” she said.

In addition to these volunteer opportunities, Smith said there are also buddy volunteers.

“A buddy is someone who pairs up with a guest and stays with them all night and does whatever they want. They'll walk the red carpet together and dance together all night. ” she said.

Cindy Keesee of Clothing Closet in Lake Havasu City provided suits and prom dresses for all attendees, if needed.

At the event, all guests were presented with a crown or tiara.

Smith said prom guests came from all over the Lake Havasu area.

Special guests included Lake Havasu Mayor Cal Sheehy and City Councilmember Nancy Campbell.

For more information about Night to Shine, visit timtebowfoundation.org.