My NTS Experience.

I know that my FB was inundated with Night to Shine photos, videos and comments for a bit, but I have had a few questions. My Mom suggested that I write a little informational blog about what it is/ was. I will try to provide you with a good overview of the whole experience and of course will interject a few of my own neat facts and thoughts. It is my hope that after I write and post this, you will see why the excitement. It was extraordinary!

Basically, this is a Prom for individuals with special needs, ages 16-23. It is the same night for all hosting and it is as close to Valentine's day as possible. This year it was February the 12th.

The Night to Shine (NTS) is one of the Tim Tebow Foundation's (TTF) main initiatives. Here is their official site This was only the second year for the event, but it grew so much. Here are a few stats, rounded and approx, of course:

                                                  2015                                                                 2016
Host churches                            44                                                                    more than 200
Volunteers                                 15,000                                                             more than 70,000
States                                         26                                                                     48
Countries                                    3                                                                       8
Kings & Queens                        7,000                                                                 32,000!!!!!!!!!!

So, the Tebow CURE Hospital (TCH) here in Davao City, Philippines sponsored a NTS this year. My friend HK was the event planner and did a super job. When you are chosen to sponsor a NTS you receive a detailed instruction manual, Prom Kit (deco, gifts), financial support and guidance from TTF staff. We had to tweak a few things as we do not live in the US and some things just needed to be different. For example, we just do not have limo services here in DC, Phils!

  

The guests were chosen from different organizations here in Davao City. I am still in awe how this all came together as we were not a "church" hosting and HK put together a fabulous team to help with all the different logistics. The body of Christ pulled together from different denominations, Non profits and professions. I am certain God was smiling! Our guests came mainly from 2 different Blind schools, a organization for the Deaf, Down Syndrome Association and from our very own TCH CUREkids. We invited 100 and 97 of  them came! Our very first patient, Ruby Anne was there! Each guest was referred to as a king or queen as they were all crowned.

                                        

The kings and queens arrived at the Grand Meng Seng, a hotel downtown, and were registered.  Each guest was paired with a "buddy" (a volunteer that spent the evening with that particular guest). From there they were taken to a room for VIP treatment. They were fitted with a gown or dress or barong. In the US they guys wear tuxes, here the formal wear is a barong. After they slipped into their formal wear, they went into the "chair" to be pampered. Hair, makeup, corsages, boutonnieres and perfuming.  Time and care was taken for each guest. I could not believe the styles that the woman doing the girls hair. Really, I think she came up with about 45 different and unique styles. Everyone looked amazing!

When our guests were Red Carpet Ready, they proceeded to the professional photographer. Everyone had their own photo shoot. 

Then, the Grand Entrance!! I was part of the friendly paparazzi team. Our job was to greet each king and queen. Cheering for, photographing, and encouraging our guests as they walked a long red carpet. Some of the kings and queens would stop and pose and just took it all in! The were seated at large tables and were offered opportunities to play games, sing karaoke or just chat with their new friends and buddies.  

The dancing came later as it was loud and really took over the event. We danced about an 1/2 hour before dinner was served. The atmosphere was like a huge party full of joy and fun.

The scrumptious banquet was served. Each buddy went through the line and served their king or queen. Really was so thrilled to have so many people so full of love in one place. After we ate, we heard a special message from Tim Tebow. He officially declared that each guest was crowned the king or queen of the Prom. This year, Tim Tebow went to Haiti on the 11th and attended their event as it was a day early. He then made surprise appearances in other places in the US on the 12th. You can probably read news articles telling exactly where he went, I know he really got around this year! Back to the DANCING....We could not keep the dance floor empty anymore.....they all just enjoyed dancing so much. I did too! There was a bubble machine and  the DJ did a fantastic job. 

At 9:00 the Prom ended. Guests were given their favors that came from TTF in the states. TTF bags, tumblers and a special silver picture frame with the photo already in it. 

I need to say something about the volunteer aspect of this event. Like I said, HK had to pull from so many different groups and resources. Most of our volunteers were Filipino with a few expats sprinkled in. People donated gowns, a dress shop gave a huge discount for gowns and barongs. The stylists and professional photographers volunteered their time and only required payment for materials, Several churches gathered buddies, prayed and everyone pulled together.

 I am sure I am missing things, but for now this is my best synopsis of what went on. Here is a short video of our NTS. Working together to LOVE is something quite wonderful!