All prom guests crowned king, queen at ‘A Night to Shine’

It was a special night in Beloit for more than 100 people dressed to impress. Central Christian Church hosted prom for people with developmental disabilities. It was part of a movement started by NFL football player Tim Tebow.

“It’s really pretty nice to be dressed up and not be so embarrassed,” said prom guest Tasha Lauren.

Stephanie Knueppel, who volunteered to help put on the VIP affair, said she was taking part for a second year in a row.

“I saw Tasha when she got here and she said, ‘Are you going to be my buddy again?'” Knuepple said.

Knuppel is just one of the 200 volunteers who helped put on the prom, a night that is all about celebrating those with special needs.

Tebow’s charity, the Tim Tebow Foundation, said that more than 70,000 volunteers and 30,000 guests worldwide were expected Friday to share in the “A Night to Shine” prom experience, created to give people with special needs the spotlight.

“I think there is some things in life that people take for granted,” Knuepple said. “And to be able to offer people who maybe don’t have the opportunity to have those experiences, I just think it’s a wonderful gift.”

Guests received the VIP treatment, including limo, hair and makeup services and an open floor to dance the night way.

“(Tonight is) very, very exciting. This is like my high school prom, because I never had a prom,” prom guest Mary Wegert said.

The Tebow Foundation chose Valentine’s Day weekend to celebrate people with special needs.

Central Christian Church is one of more than 200 churches worldwide to put on their own “A Night to Shine” prom. Wegert’s first prom with her date Michael had a true fairy-tale ending.

“It’s so amazing, I’ve never had someone propose to me,” Wegert said.

All 125 guests at Friday’s “A Night to Shine” were crowned king and queen.