As a Florida Gator, it is perhaps expected that I have a love for Tim Tebow. However, the reason I respect him is for what he has done off any field, whether it be the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium field, an NFL field, or now, a Mets’ organization field. What lies behind Tim Tebow is an organization dedicated to bringing faith, hope, and love to people across the world. The Tim Tebow Foundation hosts events that show Christ’s love in the most heart-touching ways.

The Tim Tebow Foundation has many programs that are each special and unique. For example, they have the W15H program, which is made to look like WISH using Tim’s number, 15. W15H invites a person to experience game day with Tim. Tim also visits kids who are struggling in the hospital through this program.

However, on February 10^th, I had the opportunity to experience a truly incredible event, one that touches thousands of lives.

Night to Shine is an event held worldwide through host churches that put on a prom for individuals with special needs. The purpose is to ensure that everyone knows just how incredibly they are loved by God, and that they are uniquely and wonderfully made, in His image. Night to Shine lets these individuals know that they each serve a purpose.

I had the opportunity to participate in the Night to Shine in Jacksonville, Florida, where seven churches came together and put on the event for a large portion of the state of Florida. I was part of the “paparazzi” so my role was to greet the participants as they stepped out of their limos and walked down the carpet. It was an incredible experience seeing their faces light up when they realized that everyone was cheering for them. Each participant brought joy to the red carpet in different ways. Some danced down the red carpet, others strutted, and still others sprinted down the carpet, making sure to give everyone a high five. Everyone wanted to experience their joy, they truly were celebrities.

After they graced the red carpet, the participants headed inside where they there was dancing and fun activities. An incredibly special part of Night to Shine is the crowning. Towards the end of the night, each participant is crowned by their buddy that is with them. This is to show them that they each have incredible worth. The moment that is particularly special is when they realize that the crown is for them. I could never put into words the sense of joy that exudes from each participant.

The Tim Tebow Foundation seeks to spread God’s love everywhere, and does so by having events such as Night to Shine. The goals of events like Night to Shine is to ensure that everyone knows just how amazing they are. Night to Shine is a night where communities come together and are blessed continuously by the participants. I cannot thank the Tim Tebow Foundation for being such a light in this world.