ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - We’re only 40 days away from one of the biggest nights of the year here in Albany...Night to Shine!

Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Byne Church & Christian School in Albany, GA, this worldwide celebration is made possible through area churches and the generous support of local businesses and donors. It’s a night where every guest shines as the King or Queen God created them to be.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Kathryn Siskey, Night to Shine VIP said, “This is my 10^th year and I’m so excited. I hope we have a big crowd this year and get ready because it is so much fun and it will make your heart happy."

Siskey began attending Night to Shine in Americus. But she and her mom were happy to hear that Byne was sponsoring this event, as VIPs—individuals with special needs—are honored through music, dancing, photos, food, and activities, all leading to a crowning moment that reflects God’s truth: You are Loved, Valued, and Created with Purpose.

She says, “About this time, I get very excited. I say ‘mom I need to look for a dress.”

Her mom, Melanie Merritt said, “So we starting looking for a dress and she plans her hair and she is very excited about her partner that comes with her. And we get excited about all of those thing.”

“It is a wonderful night for parents, also to come see our children have such a wonderful experience and them open their doors to them. But also as parents they provide food for us and a time to relax and know our children are having a wonderful time. Its been an exciting event for us to come to every year,” Merritt said.

But it is not just this one nigh, it’s the connections that begin on the red carpet, on the dance floor, and follow each VIP outside of those doors that make the impact.

Merritt said, “So many people open their arms to Kathryn and love Kathryn. So by being able to be at Byne working in their lunchroom with the children and working at Wonderfully Made Coffee Shop, they have just opened their arms to her, and she just loves greeting customers as they come in. So she has quite a lot.”

The 2026 celebration will be held Friday, Feb. 13.

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