Tim Tebow Hoping to Make Jesus 'Shine' With Valentine's Day Special Needs Proms
Tim Tebow's foundation may be hosting proms for special needs children on Valentine's day, but the Christian athlete is making sure he is not getting the glory for the events that will take place.
Tebow, 27, is an Evangelical Christian football star-turned- SEC college football analyst, who has made work with his Tim Tebow Foundation a priority. The foundation created by Tebow builds playrooms in children's hospitals all over the world, grants sick children's wishes and works to aid in the process of adoption.
Now, the Tim Tebow Foundation is sponsoring churches around the country who are willing to host a "Night to Shine," where special needs teenagers ages 16 and up can participate in a prom on Valentine's day. While Tebow's organization is footing the bill of close to $600,000 for the proms in various churches across the country, the athlete insists he and his foundation are not the ones who deserve all of the credit for the event.
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"It's not just me; it's not just our Foundation," Tebow told People magazine recently, "but it is all 45 churches and volunteers in 26 states, three countries, coming together to show love and make a difference in more than 7,000 lives."
The event came about after people in Tebow's foundation witnessed a similar event in a local church and decided to bring the joy that came from it to as many families as possible across the country, according to a People report.
"We wondered what would happen if we challenged churches to step up and make a difference in the lives of these special children, and the response was incredible," said Erik Dellenback, executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation.
For Tebow, the night will also be about putting a spotlight on Jesus.
"Jesus is going to shine on this night and the special needs community will shine on this night," Tebow said in the People report. "That is what is so special about this."
While the proms are free and open to those who fit the age requirements, guests will be welcomed to a red carpet entrance where they will be greeted by a "buddy" who will individually host each participant.
Tebow's foundation will also provide free hair and makeup, flowers, professional photography, food, dancing, games and more at the event where guests will also receive a crown or tiara in a special ceremony.
The proms will take place simultaneously in churches across the country on Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. While the foundation sought to have 50 churches around the country participate, at least 23 signed on from various cities last Oct.
Tebow spoke about the excitement surrounding the event that will take place Valentine's day weekend.
"We are so excited to be able to create this opportunity for thousands of people around the country with special needs," Tebow said in a statement released from his foundation. "This event perfectly fits our mission to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need."
