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Manassas prom is a ‘Night to Shine’ for people with special needs

Catholic Herald Staff Report

Joey Spence (left) gets some help with his boutonniere from an event volunteer. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Guests don funny props as they visit the photo booth. Everyone had the opportunity to get a photo to commemorate the evening. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Guests arriving at the Night to Shine at All Saints Church in Manassas get their hair and makeup done at the hair and makeup station Feb. 8. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Guests and Buddies hit the dance floor as soon as the music started playing. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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The dance floor is hopping at the Night to Shine event. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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All Saints Church in Manassas was one of more than 500 churches
around the world hosting 2019 Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow
Foundation.

The Feb. 8 event was a prom-night experience for people 14 and
older with special needs. More than 105 honored guests and their parents
attended the event. Additionally, more than 150 volunteers made the night
possible, including the buddies who were paired with each guest. 

Guests received the royal treatment from hair and makeup to shoe shining, corsages and boutonnieres. A catered dinner was served, complete with favors and dancing. The highlight of the night was when each guest was crowned king or queen of the prom.

Tebow, a former NFL quarterback, started the prom five years ago. According to his foundation website, this year more than 175,000 volunteers in more than 540 churches worldwide served more than 90,000 honored guests.

All Saints Church became involved when parishioners Danielle Smith heard about the program from a friend. After babysitting children with special needs for years, Smith thought it would be a wonderful way to show God’s love to them.

Photos by Joe Cashwell | For the Catholic Herald

 

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