Night to Shine

Night to Shine February 6, 2025

Donate to Help Us Host This Event!

Volunteer Training Information

January 27th at 7pm

Mandatory General training webinar (link will be sent to registered volunteers via email prior to the session)

January 29th at 7pm

Mandatory Buddy training webinar (link will be sent to registered buddy volunteers via email prior to the session)
PLEASE NOTE: Buddies must attend both sessions.




Last Year's Recap Event

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in partnership with the Knights of Columbus are proud to be an official host for the Night to Shine Prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older.

Every guest of Night to Shine enters this complimentary event on a red carpet. The highlight of the night comes when every one of the Night to Shine guests is crowned a king or queen of the prom!

Night to Shine is hosted by churches all around the globe who desire to share the love of Christ with their community of people with special needs.

For more information contact Juan AguirreRobles using our form here.

Night to Shine FAQ

What is Night to Shine?

Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, hosted by St. Catherine of Siena Knights of Columbus, is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. On one night, churches from around the world will host Night to Shine!

Who is invited to Night to Shine?

Night to Shine is for anyone with special needs, ages 14 and older. There is no age maximum.

How would you define an individual with special needs?

The event is open to anyone with physical or cognitive special needs, ages 14 and older. We do not have specific guidelines for the eligibility of guests in relation to the legitimacy or severity of their disabilities. We trust each person to use their best judgement as to what qualifies as having a special need.

How much does it cost to attend Night to Shine?

Night to Shine is a complimentary event made possible by the Tim Tebow Foundation, St. Catherine of Siena Knights of Columbus, and our generous sponsors; there is no charge to attend.

When does registration open?

Registration for Volunteers will open on December 2, 2024.
Registration for Guests will open on December 2, 2024.

How do I register?

Registration is available by clicking HERE!

What information will I need to provide about the guest I am registering?

We do not require that you provide any information. However, we wish that you kindly share any information and dietary restrictions regarding your guest that will help us best pair them with a Buddy for the evening. We have many volunteers that have a lot of experience, and we do our best to match up Buddies and our honored guests based on individual needs.

Is there a virtual option for guests that are not able to attend in person?

YES!! Just as Christ meets us where we are, we want to be able to meet you where you are by providing access to the celebration virtually.

You will still need to register (just be sure to choose the virtual option). St. Catherine of Siena church will host up to 50 virtual guests (on a first come first served basis).

Each virtual honored guest will receive:

  • Access to the Night to Shine Virtual Celebration (provided by the Tim Tebow Foundation)
  • A crown or tiara, so each honored guest can be King or Queen of the prom.
  • A Night to Shine favor bag.
If more than the maximum number of honored guests register, how will the attendees be chosen?

Honored guests will be placed on a waitlist, if cancellations occur, guests on the waitlist will be contacted on a first come first serve basis.

As a guest, what should I expect?

Every guest of Night to Shine will experience a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Guests receive the royal treatment, including hair and makeup touch-up stations, shoe-shining stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, catered dinner, activities, prom favors, and of course dancing!! Each honored guest will also receive a crown or tiara because they are all kings and queens!

Do guests need chaperones?

We provide chaperones called “buddies" for all our guests. Each guest will be accompanied by a buddy throughout the evening, providing companionship and any general assistance needed during the event. All buddies 18 years old and up will have passed a background check and have attended mandatory training.

How are Buddies paired with Guests?

We do our best to match buddies and guests based on the guest’s individual needs listed on their registration form.

Can a friend or family member be a companion?

If you have a family member or friend who wants to come and be your companion for the night, please have them sign up as a volunteer. When they sign up as a volunteer, they need to add in the comment section that they want to specifically be a companion with you and please make sure they list your name so we can correctly place you together.

*Limit 1 companion per guest

I am a parent or caretaker for a guest at Night to Shine. Can I attend as their Buddy?

We really encourage parents and caretakers to enjoy the Respite Room we’ve prepared. We ensure that your child/guest is in excellent hands! Not only are they paired with a Buddy, but there are highly trained special needs assistants in the room and onsite EMS at all times.

If, however, you feel your child/guest must be accompanied by their parent/caretaker, then please register as a “Buddy” volunteer.

How can parents/caregivers register to be a “buddy” for their loved one?

In order to be a buddy for your loved one, you MUST register as a volunteer PRIOR to the event (please visit the volunteer registration page on this website. Note you will need to meet the buddy volunteer background check requirement.) Please specify the guest’s name in the comment section; the guest will still be assigned a Buddy volunteer to accompany them through the evening.

*Limit 1 parent/caregiver per guest

Does the caretaker need to stay with the Honored guest since he/she will have a buddy?

No, the idea is to allow the caretakers to have their own respite space. In that space, they will enjoy dinner, some activities, and the opportunity to interact and connect with other Special Needs families and caretakers. If they need to check on their honored guest, volunteers can escort them into the event space and stay with them while they check in with their guest. Then they will be escorted back to the respite space. (Caretakers, who must stay with their guest for the entire event, need to register as a volunteer. A Buddy will still be assigned to the Honored Guest).

As a caregiver, if I want, can I check on my individual?

We understand that you may want to periodically check on your guest, however, for the safety of all of our guests, parents and caregivers will only be allowed inside the event under very specific circumstances (ie: if their guest requires assistance in the restroom). After Check-in/registration, you and your guest will meet the chaperone/buddy who will remain with your guest throughout the event. This will give you an opportunity to review emergency contact information and discuss any concerns with the assigned buddy. If you need to contact your loved one or they need to contact you our parent liaison can connect you.

What do the parents and caregivers do?

Parents and caregivers are welcome to leave or head to the Respite Room for dinner, relaxation, community, and fun! If you are staying, we ask that you remain in the designated area for the safety of our guests and to minimize capacity issues. The prom room will have a live feed to the Respite Room so you can enjoy watching all the guests have a fun-filled night. Please indicate your intention to attend the Respite Room when you register your guest.

What is the Respite Room?

We want to honor the incredible parents/caregivers too! You are invited to a special event happening on campus that night designed specifically for you. The Respite room (located in the same building as the Night to Shine prom) will provide the opportunity to rest and enjoy the night, knowing that their loved one is having an amazing time in a safe, friendly, and Christ-centered environment with a personally assigned companion. Food, beverages, and entertainment will be provided.

Or, you may choose to enjoy a time of respite off campus instead. This is YOUR night as well; so don’t feel obligated to attend this Hospitality Event.

*There will be a limit of 2 caregivers per guest

If honored guests come as a couple, do they still need buddies?

Yes, each honored guest will be assigned a buddy, so we can be fully prepared for bathroom breaks, assisting guests with food, dancing, etc. The couple will still be able to move around the event and enjoy all the activities of the evening together!

What if I have food allergies or special food needs?

Gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free options will be available. Please specify any allergies/restrictions on guest registration form. Pureed food will need to be brought by the guest as we will not have the ability to puree food at the event.

Will there be medical staff on site?

Yes. An EMT will be onsite to deliver basic first aid and care for any medical emergencies if they should arise.

PLEASE NOTE: medical staff and Night to Shine volunteers are NOT responsible for administering any kind of medication or treatment. Medications and/or treatments must be administered by the guest’s parent or caretaker.

Will you provide wheelchairs?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide wheelchairs at this time. If a wheelchair is needed, please have them bring their own.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone 14 years old and up can help with this event. All buddies must be 16 years or older. However, if the volunteer is under the age of 18, they will need to have a parent or guardian sign a permission form and waiver before they can participate and will be under adult supervision.

Do volunteers need a background check?

Yes, for the safety of all of our guests, parents, and caregivers all volunteers 18 years and older are required to have a current background check, if you already have a current background check please provide us with a copy by email.

Can you verify my background check if it was done through St. Catherine of Siena parish?

Yes, let us know your background check was done through the parish and we will verify that it is still current.

I volunteered last year; do I have to attend the training session?

Yes, as per the Tim Tebow Foundation all volunteers will be required to attend a training session each year.

I'm in high school, can I get service hours for this?

Absolutely! Please let us know if you will need us to confirm the hours for you. We can sign forms or provide a letter.