AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The annual “Night to Shine” event was celebrated tonight by people across the globe. And one local church is hosted the huge party to make sure everyone gets to feel like a VIP! 

“Night to Shine” is all about honoring and celebrating people with physical or developmental disabilities. This event not only gives them the prom experience but a night that they will never forget.

“They’re going to come down the red carpet with paparazzi everywhere. Screaming and getting autographs, and then I have the honor of getting to crown the girls, and my husband crowns the boys,” said Jacqueline Heider, the Director of Together at Warren Ministry. “So, we get to crown each and every quest. We want them to feel like they are kings and queens for the night. That they are beautiful, which they all are, and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Around 200 honored guests, 300 caregivers, and 600 volunteers took part, making the event unique and memorable. There were hair and makeup stations for all the glam– pictures, dancing, dinner, and karaoke to keep the guests entertained. This mother and son say they were excited to get dressed up and dance.

“Dress up pretty and such like that. Dress up handsome and all,” said Jonathan and Lisa, Honored Guest.

The night not only focuses on the guests but their caregivers as well. Giving them a night to themselves, to get dressed up and be pampered.

“Not only do the kids get honored and get their own kind of seat at the table, but then the parents get a special night,” said NeCole Smith, a parent. “And as caregivers, our son is autistic, so it can get difficult. So, it’s nice just to have a night to get dressed up and just meet other like-minded individuals.”

Volunteers love to take part to make sure everyone in the community feels special.

“Just being able to make them feel so special and share the love of Jesus with them. Because they don’t always get that,” said Abby White, a volunteer.

Organizers and volunteers tell me that they come together to serve the community and share the love of God with them.