By Arnecia Walker
For the Opelika Observer
An unforgettable night of dancing, food and limousine rides will be had during the second annual “Shine Prom” for area teens and adults with special needs. Shine Prom will be held Nov. 17 from 6-9 p.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Registration for guests and volunteers to participate in this free event begins Sept. 17.
Everyone is encouraged to dress comfortably. From glitzy and glamorous dresses to pants, skirts, jeans or tuxedos, guests and volunteers are welcome to wear whatever is the most comfortable to them.
Presenting sponsors include Chick-fil-A TigerTown, Opelika SportsPlex and Hudson Family Foundation.
More than 130 guests and nearly 400 volunteers attended last year’s Shine Prom. According to event coordinator Lori Fuller, “more volunteers” will be needed because “a lot more guests are expected this year.”
Fuller said she gained inspiration to create Shine Prom from the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” event which began in 2014. That served as the catalyst for creating a similar event locally because “our special-needs community needs this too.”
Despite not having a family member with special needs, Fuller said her passion for the special-needs community is her primary driving force in organizing the event, which would not be possible without help from its sponsors.
For more information or to register, visit www.shineprom.com.