For the first time in its 10-year history, the Tim Tebow Foundation will sponsor a “Night to Shine” prom for Virgin Islanders with special needs or disabilities over the age of 14 at St. Croix Montessori School (the former St. Dunstan’s School) on Feb. 9 from 6-9 p.m.
The dance is sponsored by the St. Croix Christian Church and Caribbean Getaways will match up to $6,000 in donations. The Tebow Foundation will share planning and ministry resources.
The evening features a stroll on the red carpet, music, dancing, flowers, and a catered dinner. There will be a DJ and MC for the evening to keep the evening lively. Guests and family members are free. At the end of the dance, Tim Tebow will have a special message for each participant.
A steelpan musician and two therapy dogs will greet prom attendees. During the event, there will be karaoke and fire dancers for entertainment. Guests will also be treated to hair and nail salons and shoe shining during the dance.
Family and caregivers are invited to come and relax throughout the evening. They will receive dinner in a private “respite” room and will have a view of the dance floor where they can participate or just watch the prom queens and kings.
“We’re planning and praying for 75 guests and we’ll celebrate for whatever we get,” Burgundy Hensley, communications director from the St. Croix Christian Church, said. “We had known about it for seven years, and now, we want to grow every year – add more things, such as business support. We want to celebrate and honor those in our community who deserve it.”
To prevent a financial burden to parents and “so they feel pretty and handsome,” Christina Chanes, of UVI, and Julie Magee, a St. Thomas business owner, are requesting donations of prom wear – dresses, suits, shoes and costume jewelry from the community. To donate, call 340-344-6210 or 340-642-7393 on St. Thomas and St. John. Contact Hensley on St. Croix at 340-718-3130 to volunteer or donate.
Chanes is also offering a stipend to students on St. John and St. Thomas to travel to St. Croix and volunteer for the event. Contact her at 340-344-6210 to help.
Over the years, Night to Shine has been held at hundreds of churches in 56 countries, providing more than half a million guest experiences. This is the 10th anniversary of the event and the first time it has been held in the territory. The only other event in the Caribbean will also be Feb. 9 in Haiti. Visit the Tim Tebow Foundation website for more information.
To register for the prom or volunteer, click here.
According to the press release, the Tim Tebow Foundation “exists to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is being fulfilled daily through ministry outreach in orphan care and prevention, special needs, profound medical needs and anti-human trafficking and child exploitation.”
“I’m so excited that we will celebrate 10 years of “Night to Shine” this coming year! All around the world, people with special needs are going to be cheered for on the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, be crowned a king or queen of the prom…but most importantly, they’re going to hear that they are loved by the God of this universe,” Tebow said.
Tebow’s impressive career began as the first underclassman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2007. In 2010, he was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos and then named as the starting quarterback six games into the 2011 season. He led the franchise to its first division title and playoff victory since 2005. He distinguished himself and became known for “Tebowing” – dropping to a knee for a quick prayer in the field. A one-of-a-kind athlete, he played an outfield baseball position for five years with the N.Y. Mets and ended his football career in 2021. Since then, he has contributed and co-hosted college football programs for SECN, ESPN, and ABC networks.
