Friday, February 13, will be a true “Night to Shine” at Central United Methodist Church. In partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, the church will host its 2nd Annual “Night to Shine” event for special needs adults throughout East Mississippi and West Alabama. Participants will join a worldwide celebration centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs.
Night to Shine is a free event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world and is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Activities include hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, corsages and boutonnieres to get ready for a Red Carpet Entrance with cheering crowds and cameras snapping. Then comes karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, and dancing the night away. The evening is capped off by a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or a Queen - the way God sees them each and every day.
Event Coordinator, Sabrina Williams, recalls memories of the 1st Annual Night to Shine in 2025, “The enthusiasm of our guests was overwhelming! The smiles on their faces gave every parent and caregiver, every volunteer, a sense of joy and gratitude for this special night.” One special 2025 guest put it this way, “This was the best night of my life!!”
More than 100 volunteers from numerous churches and organizations assist in this event. Anyone willing to serve as a volunteer or sponsor or to make a donation for the event may contact the church at 601-693-1521 or by viewing the Night to Shine-Meridian Facebook page for more information. As a former volunteer said, “If you think you are blessing our guests by volunteering, guess what? You are the one who will be blessed! Come join the fun! There is a spot just for you!”
Donations may be made through the Community Foundation of East Mississippi—Night to Shine.
