The Tim Tebow Foundation, founded by former National Football League and Heisman winner Tim Tebow, created the Night to Shine movement in 2014. Night to Shine is a worldwide event honoring people with special needs and giving them a complimentary night filled with encouragement and community. Oxford’s Night to Shine committee chair, Shannon Richardson has organized the event for the past six years. This year, this event was held on Feb. 17 in the Oxford Conference Center and was hosted by Grace Bible Church of Oxford.
“I have a daughter who has autism,” Richardson said. “When she was diagnosed at age three, I became a member of the special needs community. I have always loved people with special needs, but then it became personal. This is what inspired me to be a part of it.”
Richardson strives to make each individual feel special. Having a personal connection to the special needs community, she knows first hand the differences in their treatment. She works hard to ensure this night makes them feel special and that they are treated with kindness and respect. The Oxford Night to Shine committee started work towards this event in September.
“It is pretty tiring, obviously, but it is such a great tired,” Richardson said. “At the end of the night, you just feel like this is the one event that celebrates people that normally are not celebrated. I am kind of on a high after doing all of that.”
The intention behind this program is to make it a night of celebration and joy for all attending. Night to Shine is hosted by different local churches around the world, making each event unique to its location. Oxford’s own Night to Shine had a red carpet, karaoke room, and dancing room for the guests. Meghan Anderson became involved in the program through her friendship with Richardson and was in charge of the decorations for this year’s event.
“It really gives me the warm and fuzzies,” Anderson said. “It is such a heartwarming event. I have known Shannon for a very long time. Anything she does, I am always willing to be a part of. When the guests are here, I think they are on cloud nine. Each individual feels like the event is for them specifically, and it is so fun to see how exciting and special the night is for them.”
OHS senior Lila Rayner is a regular volunteer for Night to Shine. Her brother, James Rayner, is an OHS freshman and Superstar Superior, which makes Night to Shine personal for her and her family. He attended the event last year with Lila Rayner as his buddy, making it a special way for them to bond. Each participant in the Night to Shine event is assigned a buddy, which is a volunteer that is with them throughout the night.
“My little brother, James, is a primary factor in my interest in helping those with special needs,” Rayner said. “The entire Night to Shine program is spectacular on its own. Seeing so many people come together to make one memorable dance for those who might not otherwise enjoy one is incredible. I think it is inspiring when a group of people from different backgrounds put effort into a project, especially one as grand and unique as Night to Shine.”
Night to Shine brings all people together no matter their backgrounds, differences or capabilities. Richardson and the other volunteers put months of hard work towards the night to make it special for all attending.
“As inclusive as we want our communities to be, we still have a ways to go,” Richardson said. “This is a night that focuses specifically on people with special needs, and it is all for them. It is community members serving community members. No matter how much they really perceive cognitively, I think that they can feel the love no matter what their capabilities are. I think that is the most meaningful part.”
