A Night Where Everyone Shines: Ashland Celebrates Love, Dignity, and Joy at Night to Shine

A Night Where Everyone Shines: Ashland Celebrates Love, Dignity, and Joy at Night to Shine

ASHLAND — For one unforgettable evening, Grace Brethren Church was transformed into an underwater dreamscape filled with music, laughter, cheers, and something even more powerful — unconditional love.

Partnering with Ashland Special Needs Ministry, Grace Brethren Church hosted Night to Shine, a global prom experience made possible through the Tim Tebow Foundation. The complimentary event, held Friday night, honored individuals living with special needs, ages 14 and older — not as guests, but as royalty.

Founded in 2015 by former NFL quarterback and philanthropist Tim Tebow, Night to Shine was created with a simple but profound mission: to remind people with special needs that they are seen, valued, and celebrated — exactly as God created them. Today, the event is hosted by churches in all 50 states and more than 50 countries, making it one of the largest coordinated celebrations of people with disabilities in the world.

That global mission was beautifully reflected right here in Ashland.

With an “Under the Sea” theme setting the tone, more than 250 participants made their grand entrance down the red carpet, greeted by thunderous applause and smiling “paparazzi” lining the church’s expansive foyer. Inside, joy filled every corner — from dancing and karaoke to photos with Disney characters, limo rides through town, sensory-friendly spaces, games, and a catered dinner.

At the heart of the night was the crowning ceremony, where every guest was named a king or queen — a moment that never fails to bring tears, cheers, and unforgettable smiles.

More than 250 special needs youth and adults attended the prom, supported by an incredible team of 668 volunteers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to ensure every detail was just right.

“What an amazing night,” said Christina Teevan, Executive Director of Ashland Special Needs Ministry. “Our Ashland Special Needs Ministry and Grace Church partner together to do Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, and tonight we had about 668 people here — parents, participants, buddies — all coming together for one purpose: to celebrate our friends with special needs.”

Teevan explained why the event is so meaningful.

“Some of our friends with special needs don’t always get the same milestones others do — awards, sports, recognition,” she said. “This is a way we can honor them, have them walk the red carpet, be celebrated, and be crowned. When you see those smiles — it says everything.”

Participants were crowned by Matt and Melanie Miller, who spent intentional, one-on-one time with each guest — a personal touch that Teevan says makes Night to Shine unlike anything else.

“This is our fourth year,” she added. “And our community has been incredible. They donate money, prizes, time — everything it takes to make this night special. We are so thankful our friends are loved and cared for like this.”

Christina’s husband, John Teevan, echoed that sentiment, calling the night “life-giving.”

“It sends the right message,” he said. “To our families and to our community — that people with special needs matter. This is a way to give them a night they’ll never forget.”

As the music played, crowns sparkled, and laughter echoed throughout the church, one thing was clear: Night to Shine isn’t just a prom — it’s a declaration.

A declaration that every life has value.

That joy is meant to be shared.

And that in Ashland, everyone truly shines.

Night to Shine 2026 Photo Gallery (Part 1 of 3)