Night to Shine brings Tim Tebow to Tallahassee
Former Gator quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow made a surprise visit to the North Florida Fairgrounds on February 7, 2020. Tebow joined thousands of Floridians celebrating Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs. Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, and a red carpet. Dozens of Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) customers attended Night to Shine and had a blast.
“I truly want to thank all of the honored guests and I want you to know we love you and we care about you,” Tebow said. “In our society, a red carpet means value, worth, significance, and why we have a red carpet here is because you are valuable, you have worth, and you are significant.”
The former University of Florida star spent time taking photos, giving hugs, and visiting with those attending the event. The Tim Tebow Foundation helps sponsor the prom along with Tallahassee’s Genesis Church. Hundreds of local volunteers including APD staff helped make the night memorable.
“Tallahassee’s Night to Shine prom has grown to be one of the biggest in the country,” said Tom Rice, APD Deputy Director of Programs. “I have two children with special needs and they really look forward to this event. It’s kind of a picture of what we’d like the world to be.”
APD State Office Licensing Liaison April Cook escorted her friend, Robert Fulghum to the prom. “It is very exciting to see my co-workers from APD out here, doing all different types of volunteering,” Cook said. “That’s what the agency is all about, helping people with disabilities.”
Festivities also included hair and make-up styling, Ferris wheel, hot air balloon, and special appearances by Florida A&M’s Marching 100 and Florida State University cheerleaders.
.jpg "Daniel Lewis and APD employee Shannon Roberts")
Daniel Lewis and APD employee Shannon Roberts
.jpg "APD employee Shannon Roberts and Tim Tebow")
APD employee Shannon Roberts and Tim Tebow
.jpg "APD employee Shannon Roberts")
APD employee Shannon Roberts
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