This past Friday, the stars came out during Pampa’s First Night to Shine event where some of Pampa’s finest citizens were given the red carpet treatment as they made their way into the armory for a night full of food, dancing and socialization.
Hosted this year by the First Baptist Church in Pampa, Night to Shine is a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation that is focused on honoring and valuing those with special needs.
Byron Williamson, the pastor of First Baptist Church, and his wife, Jana were thrilled to have been a part of this beautiful night and is looking forward to many more to come now that Pampa has its very own event, with Amarillo being the only closest town to have ever offered it.
“A lot of our special needs folks in this part of the panhandle have not been able to participate nor really been aware of this event,” Byron said. “We had the opportunity to have it here and in the surrounding communities and we went for it. You never know what to expect the first time you do something, but this has been really good. We have tremendous volunteers and great people that have helped put it together.”
The night began with a red carpet entrance into the armory with fans on each side applauding and cheering the guests of honor as they made their way inside.
All the guys and gals who attended were provided with an array of delectable snacks and treats to build up their energy for the dance floor where guests could either cut a rug and show off their singing skills with karaoke.
The women’s restroom held glam stations where the starlets of the night could have their hair and makeup touched up throughout the event.
While usually only two people are crowned as a king and queen, the night’s guests were all treated like royalty and given a crown.
The night wasn’t only special for these honored guests, as all the volunteers, friends of the guests, parents and caretakers delighted in seeing the smiles on all the bright faces.
“We had guests that ranged from 14 years old to 70, and every one of them when they got out of the car would just light up,” Byron said.
“I got to see the parents - they wanted to watch them as they went down the red carpet and it just brings tears to your eyes. It is just such a special thing to see. There’s so much joy and not just for those kids and adults, but for their parents too,” Jana said.
“When Pampa people come together, it’s just so amazing to watch,” Byron said. “Especially for those in need and those that have unique needs like these folks. They’ll do anything to help and it’s wonderful to see.”
“Every person has eternal value in the Lord and we’re all created by Him. Our interests are different, our abilities are different, but society sees some as having more value than others, but in God’s eyes we all have the value of being His creation and that is what Night to Shine is really all about.”
About Tim Tebow Foundation: The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. We are called to fight for the world’s most vulnerable people through our four main areas of ministry focus – Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation, Orphan Care + Prevention, Profound Medical Needs, and Special Needs Ministry. To learn more about how the Tim Tebow Foundation is serving the world’s most vulnerable people, please visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.
