Trending
STEUBENVILLE -- Individuals and groups throughout the community are being asked to donate their time toward helping those who will be attending the second-annual Night to Shine event in February.
Toronto's Crossroads North River Church and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities are partnering again to celebrate those individuals who have special needs during a dinner and dance being sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Night to Shine is a worldwide event hosted by churches across the world. The events are open to those who are age 14 and older. The upcoming dance will once again take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 7 at Toronto High School.
There will be even more guests of honor being spotlighted for this event, officials stated. Guests will be adorned in their tuxedos and evening gowns and will receive star treatment, with hair and makeup to be done by Bella Capelli Academy students. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a limousine ride to the dance and will walk the red carpet, while "paparazzi" photograph their entrances. They will then enjoy a dinner and dancing for the remainder of the evening.
Cookie West, community navigator for JCBDD, said more people will be honored at this year's dance. Which is why officials are currently seeking volunteers to serve as escorts and help with additional tasks during their memorable evening. West noted Toronto City Schools has offered additional space for activities. Dinner will take place inside the cafeteria and dancing will be held in the gymnasium. A glam and prep area, as well as a respite room, will be available for parents and caregivers.
"Because of the expansion of space, we will add 25 honored guests, bringing the total number of honored guests to 100," West said. "Anytime you add guests, you add volunteers. We are looking for organizations and community members to volunteer their time."
She said many diverse groups have taken part in the Night to Shine event, including the JCBDD, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Jefferson County Children's Services, OhioRISE, WIC, Cigna, Jefferson County Educational Service Center, Trinity Health System and local school districts. Last year, there were 72 honored guests and more than 140 volunteers participating, while West noted that 25-50 more volunteers are being sought.
"It has been a community effort," West added. "Last year, we were incredibly blessed to have a diverse group of volunteers with a wide range of skills. Having experience with special-needs individuals is a bonus. We had volunteers from the social services sector last year who wanted to help, and they are returning this year."
West said anticipation is building for the second-annual event and she hoped to see a large turnout.
"We're excited to see new ways to make things bigger, better and brighter," she concluded. "The whole goal is for the community to stand with us as we create this experience. It's one night and it means the world to the people we serve."
For information or to volunteer, contact West at (740) 266-4291 or awest@jcbdd.com or northrivernighttoshine@gmail.com.