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Night to Shine returns to in-person event; more volunteers are needed
Night to Shine will return in person early next month in Sikeston after two years of being virtual due to COVID-19.
Night to Shine is a supplemental event sponsored by local churches worldwide for people with special needs. This year’s prom will be held on Feb. 10 at the Cape First Church in Sikeston from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Night to Shine is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and Sikeston started having its annual Night to Shine event in 2018.
According to Derrick Pullen, event coordinator, Night to Shine is presented by over 650 churches worldwide on the same night.
“We had three live events in 2018, 2019 and 2020, but then COVID hit and the events were virtual,” Pullen said. “Like many other things, when you go virtual, it loses the in-person feel, so really, it’s like a fresh start in a way, and there’s a lot more planning that has to go into it.”
Pullen added unlike in previous years when it was held at different locations, now that it will be held at the church, they are able to spread it out throughout the entire building and aren’t as tight in space as they were.
“It’s a plus because people will have room to dance and get food, and I really think the event itself will be a more comfortable and relaxing setting for the guests and the families that will get to enjoy it,” Pullen said.
Justin Pobst, campus pastor at Cape First Sikeston, said the purpose of Night to Shine is to show attendees they are significant and highly valued.
“We want them to have the spotlight on them the whole night; we want them to know that they are super important,” Pobst said. “We want all of them to feel like they are the king and queen, and at the end of the night, all of them will get crowned king and queen, which is the most beautiful part of the evening.”
Pullen added people with special needs want to have the same opportunities as everyone else.
“In the end, individuals with special needs really just want to be able to do what everyone else does, and this is a night for them to be loved on,” Pullen said.
Another reason the event is special, according to Pobst, is it allows the community to reaffirm to the guests with special needs how much they are appreciated and loved.
“People want to be valued, they want to know that someone cares about them and that others think they have worth and are loved,” Pobst said.
Pobst also said that when individuals serve and help others, they receive a benefit in return.
“When we reach out to help others and help them see that they are valued, that they’re loved and that we care about them, just think about what that does in the hearts of all the people that are reaching out also,” Pobst said.
He continued: “So we are going to bless the guests and their family members, and it’s going to bless those who are volunteering that night as well.”
Pobst added it is essential for family members who care for those with special needs to be shown they are cherished and appreciated during the event.
“They need to know that they are valued and that we see what they have to do every day and we know it’s important,” Pobst said. “Sometimes in life, all of us forget to say thank you, and I think that Night to Shine is really an opportunity for the community to look outward and to honor people that deserve to be honored and to let them know that we value them greatly and that we thank you for what you do.”
Night to Shine is the highlight of the attendees’ year, and Pullen and Pobst noted they want the guests and their family members to all be reminded that God loves them and sees their worth.
Pullen said there will be rooms set up downstairs and upstairs for family members to hang out and for volunteers to talk to them and get to know each of their stories while also watching their loved ones have such a fun night.
Pullen mentioned raising a special needs child changes one’s entire life, that it can be challenging, and that social time is important.
“Even if it’s three hours away, getting away to enjoy adult company means so much because individuals whose families have individuals with special needs a lot of times don’t get that because of the constant 24-hour care,” Pullen said.
According to Pullen, more volunteers are still needed for the event, and it is vital they have as many as possible. Those who help will leave that night with a whole new perspective on people with special needs, he said.
“Individuals with special needs just want to be like us, so we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus and show them that love and a good time,” Pullen said. “I promise you that everyone who volunteers for this event is going to have a good time, and by the end of the night, if there’s not a tear shed down their faces whenever each one of these individuals gets crowned king and queen, it’s a life-changing moment.”
Pullen and Pobst said they would like to have 200 volunteers, but currently they have only 140. They are highly encouraging others to come out and be a part of the event.
Night to Shine is not just a Sikeston event; it is a regional event, and Pullen said that they have individuals coming from all around the area.
“This isn’t just a Cape First Sikeston event; this is truly a community effort,” Pullen said.
Pobst also added the event wasn’t for the church and the event is for everybody.
“It doesn’t matter where you go to church, or if you don’t go to church at all. Come and volunteer and be a part of it,” Pobst said. “We want to see the whole community come together and love on them.”
Pobst highlighted the fact words have an influence and there is satisfaction in helping and serving others.
“There’s not much else you can do in this life to bring you more joy than to help someone understand how valued they are because your words have so much power,” Pobst said.
One specific type of volunteer Pullen said they need are what they call “buddies.”
“Our biggest need is for buddies, and the buddies’ job is that you are basically the chief fun officer for the night for the guest,” Pullen said.
He continued: “We pair the buddies up with our guests, and their job as buddies is to have fun, and I mean, what better way to volunteer for something than to know you’re going to be having fun?”
To learn more about a Night to Shine or to volunteer to help at the event, visit semoshine.com or message the Night to Shine SEMO Facebook page.