Thousands turned out for the 12th annual Night to Shine in Jacksonville at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It truly was a night to shine for hundreds on the First Coast with special needs who were treated like royalty Friday.

Inside the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, thousands gathered as volunteers acting as paparazzi lined the red carpet welcoming in the guests of honor for an unforgettable prom experience. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted locally by The Church of Eleven22 along with more than 900 churches around the globe, this is the 12th annual Night to Shine. More than 70 countries are taking part this year.

Jennifer Campbell, whose son Zack attended, said events like this are especially meaningful for adults with special needs.

“When they get past certain age and they have special needs, a lot of stuff disappears for them especially when they age out of the school system, so something like this is amazing for them,” Campbell said. “ They are the stars. Look around the room and they are just beaming ear to ear.”

Volunteers say the night is just as impactful for them.

“We have a neighbor who comes every year and just seeing how excited she is for it and to see how it reflects God’s glory for us to enjoy these people He created in His image,” Kiersten Rudd said.

She came with her husband and young children who took part as paparazzi.

“We are supposed to cheer them on and make them feel loved and special and excited about the night.”

Reggie Sanders says the joy at Night to Shine is unmatched.

“For me celebrating these great people having a good time give them a night of their own to shine,  really just go out and shine, and all the activities inside they always do a fantastic job.”

At the end of the night, Demi Tebow took the stage to remind those with special needs how valued and deeply loved they are.  Then every guest of honor was crowned prom king or queen.

 “It’s a really good night to spend with all different kinds of people of all ages just to celebrate life in general,” Lisa Tampkin said.