Special prom provides a night to shine

The red carpet literally was rolled out Friday night for about 110 guests with special needs who were treated to a Night to Shine Prom at The Chapel in Grayslake.

The event was for guests 14 and older. They were met by paparazzi and given the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke and prom favors for the complimentary event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

There also was a Respite Room for parents and caretakers, as well as a 32-foot by 32-foot dance floor. Each attendee was crowned prom king or queen.

This was the second year the event has been held at The Chapel in Grayslake, and attendance has risen from about 70 in 2017, said spokesman Mike McCarthy.

More than 300 volunteers were trained for the Night to Shine, and more than $10,000 in in-kind donations were received.

The event is set to take place next year in all 50 states and 16 countries.