FREE ACCESS: Night to Shine 2020 at Linton First Christian Church

Linton First Christian Church held their second annual Night to Shine event on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020. The event, created in 2015 by the Tim Tebow Foundation, celebrates people with special needs, offering them an all-expenses paid evening in a luxurious prom-like atmosphere. Every male is crowned King and every female is crowned Queen at the end of their walk down the red carpet, with paparazzi clicking cameras and fans applauding their entrance. Guests, accompanied by volunteer "buddies", are treated to dinner, dessert, a funny photo booth, activities, makeup and hair, dancing and limousine rides. In 2020, Night to Shine was held simultaneously at 721 churches worldwide, in all 50 states and 34 countries, and was helped by 215,000 volunteers buddying up to 115,000 special guests. In Indiana, 26 different churches held the event. Linton First Christian Pastor Archie Ellett attended with his special-needs son, Jake. "He wasn't too sure about going last year, but when he saw pictures and videos from last year, he couldn't wait to come this year." Ellett said Night to Shine has become one of the most rewarding nights of the year for him. "It's become very dear to me," he said. "It's a night where we can be the hands, the heart and the feet of Jesus and be surrounded by angels, our guests." Ellett said the event could not happen without the many volunteers who signed up, and the help of two of his own staff. "Carol Phelps deserves a big piece of the credit for the success of Night to Shine," he said. "As well as Chandra Brenemen. These ladies have worked very hard to make this happen." Phelps, who is Linton First Christian's Coordinator, said she credits the community and the volunteers. "We have 70 guests accompanied by 200 volunteers, and we extended the event to last until 9:30 this year, because it was so incredible last year. Our community was just awesome in lending their support and volunteering." Again this year, sound services were provided by Jared Albright, former president/co-founder of Altama Internet and Amplified Tech Services, and an all-around awesome guy. Albright volunteered his services through the church for the event, and DJ Conner Williams kept the dance floor full all night.