NIGHT TO SHINE, 2021

"Due to the ever-changing nature of the global COVID-19 pandemic...Night to Shine will be an unforgettable virtual experience." ~Tim Tebow Foundation

This is the fourth year our church has been a part of Night to Shine. (See posts 2/18/18, 2/11/19, 2/10/20) Each year the prom was amazing for our special guests and volunteers alike. But NTS 2021 looked a little different. Uh, a lot different!

On Friday, February 5, 2021, we hosted a Night to Shine "Shine-Thru" event. For our Red Carpet experience, we lined the driveway with lights and our "paparazzi." Music played while costumed characters and bundled up regular folks waved, cheered, and danced to the music as honored guests drove through. Each guest received their official Night to Shine swag bag with gifts as well as their crowns and information on connecting to the worldwide Virtual Night to Shine prom. Our local fire department even sent a fire truck to add to the excitement. It was quite cold here in northeast Ohio that night, and as guests drove through, it snowed. Perhaps the snow was confetti from heaven celebrating our special guests.

Friday, February 12, 2021, was the Virtual Night to Shine prom hosted by Tim Tebow and his lovely wife, Demi-Leigh. (She was Miss Universe 2017.) They welcomed all the guests and volunteers, and through the magic of video provided a virtual red carpet walk complete with face-masked paparazzi taking pictures and holding love note signs. Then began the warm wishes of celebrities from around the world which included the 2018 and 2019 Miss Universe pageant winners, singers, actors and actresses, professional and Olympic athletes, and  TV personalities. I counted 21 in all. There were interludes of music for Dance Along and Sing Along, which mimicked the very popular NTS karaoke activity. Also, from previous NTS proms were video clips from around the world. And then the very special moment of each NTS prom - the crowing of all the Kings and Queens.

Let's hope and pray that through 2021, COVID-19 fades away and soon gathering together in large groups can be done safely for all. Anticipating an awesome Night to Shine in 2022!