STORY BY CALLY ANDERSON
AUDIO BY NICK McCOY
Photos courtesy A Night to Shine
After two years of the annual Night to Shine taking place in a parade through Downtown Hays, they are thrilled to announce that the event is back on as an in-person celebration. The event will return to Celebration Community Church on Friday.
Night to Shine is a one-night prom celebration that honors guests – individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities – as royalty for the night. In the weeks leading up to this red-carpet event, the guests are treated to a tuxedo or dress fitting.
The night of includes the opportunity for guests to have styled hair at a local salon, paparazzi while they walk down the red carpet, dinner, and a guest favorite – dancing.
Kaleb King, a member of the Night to Shine leadership team, volunteered at the parades before stepping into a higher role for this year’s event
“Everyone involved with Night to Shine is so excited to be back in person. This is the first time we are back in person since 2020 and we are hoping to make it the best one yet,” King said. “We can’t wait to see everyone all dressed up and back in their dancing shoes.”
Not only can the impact of this event be felt in the Hays community, but it also goes beyond Kansas, and even the country. This worldwide movement is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Just last year, the Foundation honored 110,000 guests in all 50 states and 34 countries.
This night would not be possible without the help of volunteers. Each guest is partnered with a volunteer to help them have the best night possible and assist them in any way.
King wants all the volunteers to know this night is just as memorable for them as it is for the guest.
“I think the biggest thing that I want people to take away from this event is how life-changing volunteering for the event can be,” he said. “Becoming friends with our guests brings so much joy into your life. They are such incredible people that brighten every room they walk into.”
Addie Roth, another member of the Night to Shine leadership team, encourages the community to volunteer and reap the benefits.
“As the community, they can show their support by signing up to volunteer. I really just want people to see the IDD community in such a happy state,” Roth said. “And for everyone to feel the love and joy the community shares!”
More details from the evening can be found on the Night to Shine Hays Instagram and Facebook pages.
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