SCOTT DEPOT - A local church is hoping to make a night to remember by giving a group of young adults the royal treatment.
Church at The Depot is hosting "Night to Shine," a prom at Teays Valley Christian School that is specifically for people over the age of 16 who have special needs.
Night to Shine is a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, a nonprofit established by the former NFL player "to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day." More than 200 churches in 48 states and eight countries will be hosting prom simultaneously on the evening of Feb. 12.
Dr. Jason Epps, the church's senior pastor and president of Teays Valley Christian School, has been working with his congregation to perfect this event. He said this wasn't something to just "throw together" - he wants the night to be as special as possible for prom-goers.
"We're putting a lot of money into it," Epps said. "It's going to be one of the nicest proms you'll ever see."
Anyone in the greater Charleston area who is 16 or older and has a special need or disability is invited to Night to Shine. Each prom-goer will be paired with a volunteer buddy to dance the night away and participate in activities. If a participant has specific medical or behavioral issues, he or she is required to have a chaperone as well.
Epps said he hopes to "make each one of these guys and girls feel like a million bucks in Jesus' name."
Prom-goers will be picked up by a limo to go to the school, where they will then walk down the red carpet. Then volunteers will do hair, make-up and nails for the women, and shine shoes for the men.
Attendees will also receive corsages and boutonnières. Guests will be paired with a buddy for the duration of the night. Caretakers and parents are also welcome to stay.
The Church at the Depot currently has 75 volunteers for Night to Shine, but is accepting more. Anyone who wants to get involved with the event is encouraged to contact the church soon, since a background check is required prior to volunteering.
Epps hopes to have more than 150 participants for the inaugural event.
"We are honored to be able to work with so many churches across the country and around the world to impact the lives of people with special needs," said Erik Dellenback, executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation, in a media release. "After such an amazing response to the inaugural event held in 44 locations earlier this year, our prayer is that this event will one day change the face of Valentine's Day weekend from simply a celebration of love, to a celebration of God's love for people with special needs."
In 2015, 44 churches and 15,000 volunteers were able to crown more than 7,000 prom king and queens, according to the media release.
Night to Shine will be held at Teays Valley Christian School, 6496 Teays Valley Road, Scott Depot, W.Va. 25560 from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 12.
To register as a participant or volunteer, visit www.thedepotlive.com/night-to-shine.php or call 304-757-9166.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.