ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - It’s a prom night like no other centered around celebrating kings and queens in our community. It’s all part of Night to Shine, a worldwide event honoring individuals with special needs.

Hundreds of people gathered at Byne Church for a night where everyone shines, they are loved, valued, and created with purpose.

Guests young and old got the full prom-night experience from hair and makeup, and shoe shining.

The red carpet rolled out. Cameras flashing. Crowds cheering. But this isn’t Hollywood it’s something even more meaningful.

Mark Jackson and his wife moved to Albany 4 years ago from Jacksonville and introduced this worldwide prom experience celebrating people with special needs right here to our community.

This an annual prom experience created by the Tim Tebow Foundation that celebrates people of all ages with special needs

There’s dancing, karaoke, and a catered dinner every detail is intentional. And no matter what every single attendee is crowned prom king or queen.

This is also a night for parents and caregivers to relax take a break and this event is inclusive for everyone, there’s something for everyone!

The heart and the work behind the event goes far beyond just one night. It’s about reminding families they are seen. It’s about celebrating abilities not limitations.

Pastor Mark Jackson of Byne Church said, “It’s about knowing that there’s a lot of people who need encouragement who are looking for hope and we have all these people who came together to make sure they know that they’re seen, they’re loved, they’re valued, created with purpose. It doesn’t stop we have like maybe a two month pause but really for us the other thing is more than just planning this night, we really want to make an impact helping other organizations other ministries and so the impact and the work is not just about planning the next Night to Shine. But making sure that that shine doesn’t stop throughout the year.”

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