ARS Employees Reflect on Night to Shine 2017
“I had a truly wonderful experience this evening with the most wonderful, caring, amazing people! #nighttoshine was incredible! The only special needs I was aware of tonight were, Gods love, someone to care about you, and someone to help with the difficulties you are facing in life. I saw all of this and more! I am so thankful to have been given the privilege and the opportunity to be part of it.”– Brian R., ARS of Charleston
“I took my daughter, because I wanted her to know it’s ok to speak to people that are “physically” different but yet still the same. She walked up to a wheelchair bound person and shook her hand and introduced herself. She turned to me and said, “Mommy, she smiled at me.” That melted my heart, priceless!”
– Christine B., ARS Corporate
“Where do I start?! Thankful ARS opened my eyes to this opportunity. What a fun and eye opening night! My king for the night was a guy named Michael. Interacting with him and getting to know him was such a blessing. Each and every guest was special in their own way and it was nice to see them being the spotlight (king or queen) of the night. The Tim Tebow Foundation really outdoes itself with Night to Shine. The love of Jesus definitely shines bright during this event! Will definitely be participating again in the future.”
– Madison S., Brothers Heating and Cooling
“What an amazing event! I was a Buddy to always upbeat Joshua (seen in blue vest). The night started with us stepping out of a stretch limo, Joshua being introduced over the loudspeakers to a crowd lining the red carpet, walking under the crossed swords of costumed Knights, and high fiving to the end of the red carpet to then have pictures taken with Miss Florida. Joshua has endured four years of leukemia as a young child and two brain surgeries as a teen to dramatically lessen his seizures. His optimism and smile would remind all of us to keep in perspective what it is we worry over. It was a great night of celebrating all of us, whatever our differences.”
– Ed K., Unique Air Services
“I had the honor to be with Siena. The experience was wonderful. I was very proud to be her buddy. To realize the challenges faced by many this night is a very humbling experience. What we take for granted everyday makes me realize that any issue I personally deal with is small compared to what others endure every day.”
– Larry W., West Division
“Night to Shine was by far one of the best experiences of my life! I am so blessed to have met Molly and am honored to be a part of her special night; a night that she deserves to have over and over again! Watching the joy in this sweet girl as she took her first ever disco bus ride, came down the red carpet, was crowned a queen, and danced the night away had my heart overflowing and I will never forget it. The compassion and enjoyment of every person there - honored guests, parents, and volunteers was like nothing I have ever witnessed before. For Molly’s father to be able to dance with his daughter while surrounded by her friends is a moment they would’ve never experienced without Night To Shine.”
– Shelece A., ARS of Illinois
“I was on the Red Carpet welcoming the guests inside. Seeing all their faces as they exited the Limos was very heartwarming as they grinned a mile wide and some even did struts & high fives to show they were there to PARTY. I was most impressed by a volunteer on the red carpet who has slight Autism (he was a guest last year) and wanted to allow another guest to be able to share in the same joy as he did as he welcomed them in. I look forward to participating again next year as I had a blast!!”
– Lee Ann C., ARS of Austin
“The night of the event I can personally say it was very touching/rewarding – with my role an HR Manager for many years, I met many professionals that I have had a professional relationship with for years (Attorneys, Doctors, HR Directors, Professional Speakers, etc.) that had family members with special needs –they were ecstatic to have this event - that was so moving to me! I interacted with Volunteers I graduated from high school and college that gave up valuable time to do a treasurable event. The Guest were dressed beautifully from shoes shined, make up, hair styles, flowers, splendid dresses, and suit with ties that were incredible!”
-Gloria H., RR Riverside
