ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Night to Shine Albany is three weeks away and is looking to be one of the biggest nights of the year.

It’s a night made possible through the Tim Tebow Foundation, local churches, businesses and donors, here every guest globally shines as the King or Queen God created them to be.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Byne Church began sponsoring Night to Shine in 2023. This event honors VIPs, individuals with special needs 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.

“Four years ago when we first knew there was a need but didn’t know how people would respond to it. We have just seen an overwhelming wave of people that jumped in early and have stayed committed,” Mark Jackson said. “Sponsors, volunteers, and partners throughout the community so many people have helped to make this event a bigger impact not just with more people but affecting more lives each and every year.”

Jackson says each year NTS has grown thanks to community support.

“When you start to know people and know faces and know stories it makes each of those moments mean so much more to you. Year after year you start to see not just new VIPs coming but volunteers that have now done this for four years. Some that were in high school and now in college are coming home to make sure they don’t miss this moment. Then parents and hear about how significant it is for so many people in the community to make a big deal out of their family and do things for them. It is so many layers to the story that just make it overwhelming and beyond rewarding for us.

This year Night to Shine has seen an overwhelming number of volunteer sign ups. And this year, a new element for VIPs with sensory issues will be able to enjoy, giving even more families the opportunity to enjoy the night.

Jackson said, “That’s huge for us but that means a lot will still change in the next three weeks because there is a lot of people who said they are going to do it but haven’t done it yet. We expect it to be a lot of additional VIPs and families who join us on that night which means we will need more and more volunteers to make sure it is the perfect night possible for them.”

There is still time for you to sign up to volunteer for Night to Shine Byne on Friday, February 13, to learn more click here.

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