By Michelle Key
Publisher
Registration for the third annual ‘Shine Prom’ is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on Aug. 19. Details can be found at www.shineprom.com
This year’s event will be held Oct. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex.
This event is a free prom event for teenagers and adults with special needs. Event goers get the full red-carpet treatment upon arrival including a limo ride from the parking area to the entrance where they are met at the red carpet by the paparazzi, local celebrities and their buddy for the event.
More than 100 guests attended the event last year. Space is limited so one must register in order to attend. Both participants and volunteers need to register.
Sponsors
This year’s presenting sponsors are Chick-fil-a Tigertown, Opelika Sportsplex and the Hudson Family Foundation. More sponsors are needed and those interested should email Lori Fuller at shineprom19@gmail.com. Various levels are sponsorship are available.
Volunteers
Volunteers (called the Dream Team) are a vital part of the success of the Shine Prom every year.In order to volunteer:
• Dream Team members must be at least 13 years old by the date of the prom which is also the minimum age for our guests. Ages 13 to 15 must have a parent or guardian that can stay with them for the duration of their volunteer time slot.
• If serving with a group, the adult leading the group is required to register and serve with the group as well as agree to be responsible for the group. Any parent/guardian is also encouraged to serve with their child and must register separately.
Buddies
Buddies for the Shine Prom participants are another one of the elements that make this event so successful every year.
Those desiring to serve as a buddy for the first time must attend one of two training events that will be held at the Opelika SportsPlex located at 1001 Andrews Road. The dates for this mandatory training are:
• Oct. 9 from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and
• Oct. 13 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.