(La Porte, IN) - On Friday night a special prom for some special people took place at La Porte’s First Church of God on East Lincolnway.

 

The memorable evening, five months in the planning, was made possible by the Tim Tebow foundation and a host of local volunteers. Organizers said it’s the first time La Porte has hosted the nationwide program, known as a Night to Shine.

 

Kelly Zigler, whose husband Jeff is the pastor at First Church of God, explained the event: “It is a prom that was founded by Tim Tebow, and it’s completely faith-based.” The red carpet was literally rolled out for prom-goers from several local special needs organizations, such as Paladin, Sharing Meadows, and the Zeilbeck Group.

 

Zigler said the turnout was almost overwhelming. By Friday night, the church was able to accommodate about 165 participants, but there was still a waiting list. “We opened it up to 150 guests, and we filled up in a day and a half, so it’s a huge need,” said Zigler.

 

The evening included catered food, photographers, karaoke, of course music and dancing, and even limo rides. And in keeping with prom tradition, there was a king and a queen—165 of them, actually. Each participant received a prom crown or tiara.

 

(Cover photo courtesy of Jenna Blue)