Brown County’s ‘Night to Shine’

A large crowd gathered at the Georgetown Church of Christ for “Night to Shine” in Brown County on Friday, Feb. 10, an event held specifically for anyone 14 and older with special needs.

Excitement grew as the red carpet entrance got underway, and grins seemed to stretch from ear to ear as guests entered the large, decorated dance room made up for their special night.

The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for those 14 and older with special needs.

Night to Shine is a complimentary event hosted by churches, not only locally, but around the world. The event is open to anyone 14 years and older who is living with disabilities.

Although each Night to Shine event is a little bit different from location to location, some activities included are a red carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara. Professional photography, hair and makeup stations, corsages and boutonnieres, and a sensory room were also made available at Brown County’s Night to Shine.

Through the efforts of Jennifer Bohrer, Angela Marlow, and a slew of volunteers, Night to Shine was brought back to Brown County after not being held in recent years.

Bohrer is the special education director at Western Brown Local Schools and coordinates Night to Shine in Brown County.

“I can’t say enough about the way the community rallies behind this event,” Bohrer said of all those who help to make Night to Shine a success in Brown County. “You can feel the joy in the room.”

According to Bohrer, there were 120 honored guests with chaperones at this year’s Night to Shine in Brown County with around 500 people in total turning out for the event.

Southern Hills Career and Technical Center serves as a partner for Brown County’s Night to Shine, providing free services from their cosmetology, culinary and criminal justice departments.

“We are really fortunate that the church hosts it and Southern Hills Career and Technical Center partners with us,” said Bohrer.

Some local beauty shops also donate their time to help prepare honored guests for their Night to Shine.

“There’s a lot that goes into it,” said Bohrer. “It’s really a fun day for them.”

According to Bohrer, there were around 600 Tim Tebow Foundation Night to Shine events held around the world on Feb. 10.

“I call it magical,” Marlow said of Night to Shine. “Being able to help people in that sort of way and do something special for others is just a remarkable thing to have the opportunity to do.”

Night to Shine had its first run in Brown County in 2018, but was not held for the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that did not stop local volunteers from bringing some magic to the lives of locals with special needs. In 2020 and 2021, the local group visited all of the children’s homes and placed heartfelt signs in their yard. When 2022 rolled around, the team decided to save the funds while COVID-19 settled down. Those saved funds went to propel the 2023 Night to Shine into a full-blown, extravagant night for the guests.

Among those providing a warm welcome during this year’s Night to Shine in Brown County was Ohio State Representative Adam Bird.

“What an exciting opportunity for you here,” said Bird. “I am so impressed by the adults, the teachers, the principals, superintendents, I saw board members here, and the way that the community has come together to give you such a fantastic experience tonight.”