There was excitement in the air as 150 special guests made their way on to the campus of Resurrection Parish in Solon on Feb. 13. It was the third year the parish hosted A Night to Shine, a special evening for adults with learning and physical challenges.
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As each guest arrived, he or she walked the red carpet, received a boutonniere or corsage and was paired with a volunteer ambassador – many from the parish – who spent the evening with them.
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(See photo gallery above.)
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Father Tom Dragga, Resurrection pastor, said the parish was one of a handful of churches hosting one of the A Night to Shine events, which are produced in cooperation with the Tim Tebow Foundation. It was an adult prom with games, karaoke, a photo booth, DJ, dancing and more fun.
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Highlight of the evening was when each guest was crowned.
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“Our honored guests ranged in age from 14-90,” said Julie Tragon, faith formation director at Resurrection Parish, who helped coordinate the event. She said attendees came from several group homes and facilities in Northeast Ohio, as well as family homes.
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Some had attended the event in previous years. Many dressed for the occasion, including one guest who was enjoying karaoke while wearing a silver sequined jacket. Some of the ladies wore long gowns and had their hair and makeup done just for the event.
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“I’m so excited,” said one guest who was back for this third A Night to Shine and posed for a photo with his ambassador and Father Dragga.
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Attendees were awed by the decorations volunteers collected to reflect the evening’s theme, “A Winter Wonderland.” There were white trees with tiny lights, silver streamers, a castle and decorations on dozens of tables in the church hall.
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Kitchen volunteers served and replenished a variety of refreshments including mini sandwiches, pizza, fruit, veggies, pastries and hot and cold beverages.
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“We’re using every square inch of the campus,” Tragon said.
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In the sensory room, where guests could enjoy relax and enjoy some quiet time, was parishioner Kelly and her therapy dog Narnia. Kelly, who has mobility challenges and uses a wheelchair, is a sophomore at Kent State University. She got the idea for the event a few years ago while serving on parish council. After getting the blessing of Father Dragga and the parish staff, volunteers got to work planning the event.
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Tragon said any of the nights done in cooperation with the Tim Tebow Foundation must have certain components, including a red carpet, limo rides, karaoke and a sensory room. Resurrection added additional things such as carnival games, three holes of mini golf, a caricature artist and a photo opp. Many area businesses donated to make the event possible, Tragon said.
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“We even had a proposal on the dance floor last year,” she said.
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As the evening came to a close, Tragon said organizers would review the event and decide whether to continue it next year. It’s a tremendous amount of work, but it is very fulfilling to see attendees enjoying themselves, she said.
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“It’s another way that we are living out our baptismal call and being reminded we are all beloved sons and daughters of the Lord,” she added.
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