Their Night to Shine 2022

By Cassie Johnson

Prom is an event that many teenagers dream of and most adults remember well. The excitement, the dancing, and of course, the friends. Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, provides the prom experience for our area’s most special guests to enjoy. Individuals with special needs ages 14 years and older will experience prom in a whole new way.

Once again, Heartland Church is excited to host this unforgettable event on Friday, February 11, 2022. Due to the pandemic, there will be a few changes to this year’s festivities. Night to Shine and the Heartland Shine-Thru are planning an unsurpassed prom-like experience. Though circumstances have changed, the opportunity to celebrate the worth and significance of every honored guest has not. The volunteers with Night to Shine have worked hard to create an unforgettable experience that incorporates and adapts the very best elements of this event from years past into one incredible night.

The Heartland Shine-Thru is a drive-thru prom experience. Last year the event was celebrated this way and was a great success. All honored guests and their safety are the top priority.

“No pandemic can stop God’s love for His people,” said Bryan Phelps, Pastor to Children’s and Families at Heartland Church. “We are more excited than ever to celebrate, honor, love, and support the Kings and Queens of Night to Shine 2022. For me, this is one of the best nights of the year. My family and I get the opportunity to serve together and share God’s love with our family and friends of the special needs community. It doesn’t get much better!”

Rather than taking a stroll down the red carpet, guests will drive the red carpet while being cheered on by individuals and groups within our community. There will be decorations, music, and dancing as they drive through the parade route. Each guest will receive a gift box that includes their corsage or boutonniere, crown or tiara, and several other gifts to help them celebrate their special night.

“We are blessed to be a part of this growing worldwide movement through the local church where thousands of people with special needs will be celebrated, given the royal treatment, and reminded of God’s love for them,” Phelps said. “We eagerly anticipate being able to hold an in-person Night to Shine event again, but until then we are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate so many incredible individuals in our community.”

Many of the volunteers have participated in one or more drivethru events. Heartland Church strives to provide an outstanding experience as the Shine-Thru is a prelude to the virtual celebration produced by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“We are praying for perfect weather, record participation that includes new guests, and amazing volunteers who will participate that evening,” Phelps told me.

There is no cutoff date to register, however to guarantee a shirt will be included in their gift box, guests need to be registered by January 7. For more information or to register as a participant, volunteer, or sponsor please visit heartlandpaducah.com/nts. For any other questions, contact Bryan Phelps at Heartland Church at 270.534.1400.