Red carpet, paparazzi and fabulous people wearing fashions seen only at the annual Night to Shine gala were all on display at the Delta Hotel in Fogelsville Friday, Feb. 7.

The annual event is a chance for people from 14 to 99 with special needs to, indeed, feel special.

It is clear that a lot of effort, and, yes, love have been put into organizing this annual event.

The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors the annual galas, which are held all over the world. Here in Lehigh Valley, Riverbend Community Church and the Vine Calvary Chapel are the local sponsors.

According to organizers, about 190 “guests” attended the gala, but up to 600 people, including volunteers and parents, participated.

Abby Biddle from Macungie, the volunteer or “buddy” who accompanied Gage for his night to shine, explained why she is supporting the event.

“Night to Shine is important to me because I believe that everybody deserves a chance to feel special,” Gabby said. “That’s why I’m here.”

Christine McNeill and Gary Lesquire came to the “prom” with their therapy dogs, Ali and Kate.

Before the evening was over, the little dogs had been thoroughly petted and loved by lots of attendees.

“We go to Riverbend Community Church,” Christine said, “so we’re a part of Night to Shine, but we’re also here with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Dogs are very calming and dogs are also bridge builders. People will talk to you and make friends with you just because the dog is like a bridge to making friendships. So, that’s why we’re here.”

One packed room at the hotel was dedicated to Karaoke singing. There was a line at the door for a turn at the microphone.

One “buddy,” Gabby from Allentown, accompanied Christine, who was eager to showcase her singing skills.

“I think it’s a great night. Everybody seems to have a great time,” Gabby said.

Jessica Will from Northampton said, “I’m here tonight because I just think that the cause is so important. I love coming. I’ve been coming for many. many years and it’s just a super fun time for us and for the Kings and Queens of the night.”

Brielle Rhodes, also from Northampton, was at the hair and makeup station.

“I’ve been volunteering with Night to Shine for several years,” Rhodes said. “It’s just a great opportunity to give back to our community and to make those who often get overlooked be celebrated and shown the how special and awesome they are. We just get to celebrate that all together, so I love coming to this event every year and just volunteering my time.”

Hanna from Bethlehem was at the “prom” as a “buddy” to Trevor.

“I am here because I love to have fun and bring joy to people,” Hanna said. “I think the people bring joy to me.”

Hanna said her “buddy,” Trevor, is from Gilbertsville. “He likes to have fun.”

Caroline Fricsh was escorting Olivia. Both are from Macungie. Olivia tried her singing skills at the karaoke mic.

“I’m here to give Olivia a great night and make sure that everybody feels loved and special,” Fricsh said. “It’s important because everybody’s a king and queen and they deserve to feel it.”

One of the organizers, Lisa Jones from Allentown, is the caregiver lounge coordinator and the disability ministry coordinator of Riverbend Community Church.

“I’ve been involved with Night to Shine since 2019 and have been involved on the leadership team since that time as well,” she said. “I’m very passionate about this event because I have a child with a disability.

“I started in the sensory room and I’m now taking care of the parents, which I think is really special,” she continued. “This event is for the guests and individuals with disabilities, but also their parents, who may not have date nights as often or as frequently. They can come and get a massage or have some really good catered food or even go out on a date night to one of the great local restaurants that gave discounts for tonight.”