BRN churches to host ‘Night to Shine’

Night to Shine, Tim Tebow’s brainchild, is an “unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older.”

January 28, 2021
LaVeta Jones

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (BRN) — Early COVID-19 research has uncovered the pandemic’s negative psychological impact on the general population and those with special needs. Both groups are experiencing increased distress brought on by pandemic norms such as social distancing, among other things, which can contribute to stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation. This reality is especially profound for the special needs population. That is why events such as Night to Shine, which caters to those with special needs, are vitally important right now.

Night to Shine, Tim Tebow’s brainchild, is an “unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older.”

Riverbend Community Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania, will be hosting its fifth Night to Shine virtually this year on February 12. Last year’s event, which saw 30 guests drive through, was a godsend for caregivers, as shown in responses, such as this from Debbie, John, and Cody Kasiski:

“Thank you for doing the Night to Shine Drive-Thru. Cody has not gone anywhere since March. The doctors don’t want him going in anywhere. This virus is so hard on everyone. I’m glad he had something to look forward to. These kids with special needs have nothing to do now with COVID going on. No movies to go to. Too dangerous for some kids to work, like Cody. No Special Olympics. He is done with school. Thank Chick-fil-A for the coupons. And thank everyone who made this possible. Cody was smiling from ear to ear with everyone cheering today.”

We asked Pastor Joseph Velarde about what motivates him to host Night to Shine year after year.

“We offer this every year–5th year for Riverbend–to show those with special needs how much Jesus loves them and we are the hands and feet showing them that love,” said Velarde. The church normally has 300-400 guests and buddies, 125 parents/caregivers and 175 volunteers. Although 2020’s event was bit different from previous years, it was still a grand celebration.

Despite going virtual this time around, Riverbend will still be true to their mission of communicating the love of Jesus. Furthermore, Riverbend will be in good company this year as several other BRN churches will be hosting this same event in their respective communities: Calvary Church, Boalsburg; Catalyst Church, Altoona; and The Church of the Good Shepherd, Cherry Hill. To God be the glory!

LaVeta Jones

LaVeta Jones is a community outreach event coordinator, freelance media producer and communication consultant. She has coordinated events with the school district of Philadelphia and elected officials. She also works extensively with the faith-based community and the Philadelphia Police Department and has taught community policing workshops and presented for department press conferences. LaVeta, who earned a bachelor of arts in film and media arts at Temple University, graduated Summa Cum Laude and served as class valedictorian, began working for BRN in 2007, where she has assisted in telling the stories of our BRN churches.