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SHINING \u2014 Those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, had a chance to enjoy the third-annual Night to Shine prom-style event Feb. 13 at Toronto High School.
\n— Contributed<\/p>\n
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TORONTO \u2014 They were the kings and queens of the evening. It was their chance to be seen and valued. And it was a night they will always remember.<\/p>\n
The third-annual Night to Shine event took place on Feb. 13 at Toronto High School. Nearly 100 honored guests, comprised of people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, had a chance to don their finest attire for a special prom sponsored globally by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Local sponsors included Crossroads North River Church, the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Toronto City Schools. <\/p>\n
Guests received a crown or tiara and spent time with their volunteer buddy while enjoying a catered dinner provided by E-Z Fresh Catering of Weirton. The event featured a video of Tim and Demi Tebow, a red-carpet walk where \u201cpaparazzi\u201d took photos and volunteers and family members filled the air with applause. <\/p>\n
Attendees danced inside the school\u2019s gymnasium, had their photos taken and enjoyed playing inflatable games. <\/p>\n
A glam squad of cosmetology students from Bella Cappella Academy and the Jefferson County Vocational School provided hair and nail services, while free limousine rides were offered by Heavenly Coach of Steubenville. <\/p>\n
The Night to Shine d\u00e9cor was made by Exquisite Creations by Joel in Wintersville. A respite room was made available for family members and caretakers, complete with refreshments, baskets drawings and information from Special Connections, along with resources based in West Virginia and the Jefferson County Educational Sercice Center\u2019s Resource Network.<\/p>\n
Tebow\u2019s foundation works through churches worldwide to conduct the event on the same night. Crossroads North River Church obtained a three-year grant to host the prom experience. The church collaborated with the JCBDD and Toronto City Schools to provide the venue. The grant amount decreases each year, according to officials, who noted hosts seek sponsorships to maintain self-sustainability.<\/p>\n
Cookie West, public relations and community specialist for JCBDD, stated 98 individuals and 165 volunteers were in attendance, adding Night to Shine has gotten bigger and better each year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis initiative aims to demonstrate to the differently-abled community that they are acknowledged and valued,\u201d West said. \u201cTim Tebow\u2019s commitment reflects a deep understanding of the needs of individuals who may feel unseen. Furthermore, this emphasis extends beyond the guests themselves to encompass the support provided to their families. Ultimately, this endeavor illustrates the power of community solidarity in uplifting its members.\u201d<\/p>\n
West collaborated with the Rev. Mark and Shari Prichard of Crossroads North River Church to organize the event. Crystal Wickham will succeed Shari Prichard next year, officials said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like in our third year we\u2019re starting to get a groove, the pastor said. \u201cIt\u2019s such a great event. To me, these are one of the nights to share, to celebrate life and to celebrate Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wickham said she is excited to help coordinate next year\u2019s event as the church co-chair and to continue helping in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve done this for the past three years as a volunteer and I look forward to this,\u201d Wickham stated. \u201cIt\u2019s something new and fun for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
A few of the evening\u2019s royalty said they look forward to this evening, where they can gather, dance and get their night to shine.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like it,\u201d said Amelia Taggart of Toronto. \u201cI\u2019m excited to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like a prom,\u201d added Linda Utzler of Toronto.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like it,\u201d said Toronto resident Gary Harting. \u201cIt\u2019s something a little different.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m having fun,\u201d said Zane Albaugh of Weirton. \u201cI\u2019m waiting for the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI liked the red carpet and the dance,\u201d added Dylan Farmer, a Weirton resident as well.<\/p>\n
Additional sponsors included Jeffco Services, Inc., Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration, Cedar One Realty, Kiwanis International, Ace Optical Co., United Steelworkers Local No. 5644, Interstate Waste, Trinity Health System, Capital Health, Hometown Pediatrics Solutions, Petrella Wealth Management, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Bella Capella Academy, Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Timmons, Cardinal Power, Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority and Exquisite Creations by Joel.<\/p>\n
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