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Proms For Those With Special Needs Expected To Draw 75,000

January 31, 2017

By: Shaun Heasley
Source: Disability Scoop


Just before Valentine’s, hundreds of proms for teens and adults with disabilities are slated to take place at locations around the world on a single day.

The parties organized by former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow through his foundation will be held at 375 venues including at least one in every state and 10 in other countries spanning the globe from Canada to Uganda.

Known as “Night to Shine,” the third annual event relies on churches to organize and provide volunteers to staff proms that feature a red carpet entrance complete with paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides and karaoke, among other amenities.

Many of the events will be held at places of worship, but organizers said venues this year will also include a baseball stadium, a theme park and a former penitentiary.

The Tim Tebow Foundation said it’s spending over $3 million to help put on the proms, which will take place on Feb. 10. The organization is expecting 150,000 volunteers and over 75,000 individuals with disabilities to attend.

“One of our favorite parts of prom night is watching this movement of celebration and love make its way across the time zones around the globe,” said Erik Dellenback, executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “The celebration starts at 6 p.m. in the Philippines, and we will watch it move across the world to the moment it ends at 9 p.m. in Hawaii.”

The proms are free and open to those ages 14 and older with special needs.