Chris Emery, of Longswamp Township, Berks County, was in the news recently over an interview gone bad at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

However, the ever-smiling Chris moved past that experience and looked forward to a very special night.

On Feb. 12, Chris and his good friend Brooke Landis, of Pennsburg, attended Night to Shine at Hope Community Church in King of Prussia where they were treated like royalty.

Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine was created as a worldwide prom-type event for people with special needs ages 16 and older. According to the foundation, this year Night to Shine was simultaneously hosted by 200 churches in 48 states and seven countries, including the United States, Uganda, Haiti, New Zealand, Ecuador, the Philippines and Kenya. More than 32,000 people with special needs attended Night to Shine proms and each person attending was crowned a king or a queen.

The foundation began sponsoring this event in 2014 to celebrate its fifth anniversary.

No event can be successful without volunteers and this year more than 70,000 volunteers served across the world.

Tebow was able to surprise volunteers and guests at different Night to Shine locations where he prayed with and encouraged volunteers, walked the red carpet with the honored guests, shined shoes and danced with the kings and queens.

At Hope Community Church, Chris and Brooke were treated to a limousine ride, walked the red carpet and enjoyed dancing and refreshments.

“They even had a bar in the limo and flashing lights,” Chris said.

Meanwhile, participants’ parents were treated to massages and other luxuries.

“I am so thankful for the 200 host churches and more than 70,000 volunteers that showed God’s love by celebrating people with special needs and are turning Night to Shine into a worldwide movement,” said Tim Tebow, founder of the foundation, on the organization website.

“The Night to Shine movement is more than just a prom; it is a night where people with special needs shine and they are told that they matter, that they are important and that God has a plan for their lives.”

“One of the most exciting parts of this year’s Night to Shine was seeing 200 host churches representing 23 different denominations working together to love and celebrate these amazing people with special needs,” Erik Dellenback, executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation said.

“We love working with churches because it isn’t about just one night; it is about celebrating and loving these amazing people 52 weeks a year, and we are so encouraged by how many of our host churches are starting or enhancing their own year-round special needs ministry.”

For Chris, his favorite part of the night was dancing.

“I was dancing with Brooke and Alexa,” he said. “I danced all night long and the next day my legs hurt.”

While Chris was dancing, balloons dropped from the ceiling.

“It was really a surprise,” Chris said. “I really had fun. I will definitely go again next year.”

Volunteers at the event shined participants’ shoes which was a first for Chris.

A photo booth was also available for the prom participants to make silly faces.

“My mom took pictures and there was a person making balloon flowers,” Chris said. “I got one and gave it to my mom for Valentine’s Day.”

For more information on the foundation, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.