SAN ANTONIO – The special needs community got a prom made especially for them. The community rolled out the red carpet to make the night great for those involved.
Two hundred socialites, ages 14 and up, gathered at Morgan’s Wonderland Thursday night. The event was part of a worldwide event called “A Night to Shine,” which was created by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Three hundred and fifty churches in all 50 states and 11 countries participated, the event’s website said.
For the second year in a row, Alamo Community Church planned it in San Antonio.
With nice hair and makeup for the ladies and fresh shoe shine for the guys, the Night to Shine event was a smash hit.
“It's incredible. It's hard to explain. We are just so touched. It is the most meaningful thing I have ever done,” said Debbie Conley, with Alamo Community Church, "Everybody is special in God's eyes."
Tim Tebow even paid a visit, meeting with some of the youngsters about 2 p.m. for about 25 minutes. He arrived from Haiti, then caught another flight, trying to hit as many of the events as he could.
The event could grow to include more churches and venues in San Antonio next year, Conley said.
Complete with local celebrities, such as Miss San Antonio 2017, 400 volunteers gave the guests star treatment.
"It's so exciting because it's all these firsts. It's you know, he just turned 16. It's his first prom, his first tuxedo," said Nicole Murray as her son Cody Murray had fun inside. "I'm trying not to cry."
Everyone gets a volunteer as a date, dinner and a keepsake.
"For months after this prom, they'll keep wearing their crowns and tiaras," Conley said.
Jenna Lee Wasserman, 27, said she had a great night as she danced with her date.
"I'm having a blast," Wasserman said.