ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Prom season starts a little early this year as Impact Church, with the assistance from Winthrop University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, WinthropLIFE and special education programs, will host a “Night to Shine” on Feb. 7.
The dance for individuals with disabilities age 14+ will give high school and college students, and community members a chance to dress up for a fun evening at the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center.
According to Patricia Arter, chair of the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Educational Studies and Professor of Special Education, this night will be special for all involved. Participants will be paired with ‘buddies’ and are provided limo rides, hair and make-up services or shoeshines, corsages and boutonnieres, a red-carpet experience complete with paparazzi, dinner, dancing and karaoke. In addition, parents and caretakers will be provided with a fun evening of respite at Knowledge Perk, she said.
“Night to Shine” is a project of the Tim Tebow Foundation and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year as its church partners around the world offer an unforgettable night for those with special needs.
Planning started last year when Amy Brinkley, connections and outreach director at Impact Church, applied and was awarded the right to sponsor the event, as well as given a $6,500 grant.
“Our church is honored to have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with people who have special needs and excited to celebrate their worth and value as we are all created in God’s image,” Brinkley said. “Our hope is to provide a night of dancing and fun for our honored guests and relaxation for their caregivers. In the end, our greatest desire is for each person to know Jesus sees them and loves them more than they can imagine.”
Nearly 100 guests, 100 parents and 300 volunteers will participate in the event from Impact Church and the community.
WinthropLIFE Program Director Ryan Morrison and special education faculty members Arter, Amy Clausen and April Mustian provided expertise and training needed to sponsor the event and adhering to specific guidelines for a sensory room. Among those volunteering are Education Dean Beth Costner, Associate Dean Erin Hamel and two special education undergraduate students, Emily Ellis and Jasmine Washington.
For more information, contact Patricia Arter at arterp@winthrop.edu or Amy Brinkley at abrinkley@impactmycity.org.
