When Volunteering Turns into Pure Joy
We’ve all heard of the Special Olympics, but have you ever heard about Night to Shine? It’s a special evening that takes place in cities everywhere, including Thomaston, Georgia. In 2015, a simple idea to celebrate the Tim Tebow Foundation’s 5th anniversary sparked what is now a worldwide movement celebrating people with special needs. Night to Shine values, honors, and supports approximately 90,000 honored guests and their families each year through a prom centered on demonstrating God’s love for people. It’s held simultaneously around the world on the Friday before Valentine’s Day each year. In Thomaston, Northridge Church has served as the host of Night to Shine for many years.
We’ve all heard of the Special Olympics, but have you ever heard about Night to Shine? It’s a special evening that takes place in cities everywhere, including Thomaston, Georgia. In 2015, a simple idea to celebrate the Tim Tebow Foundation’s 5th anniversary sparked what is now a worldwide movement celebrating people with special needs. Night to Shine values, honors, and supports approximately 90,000 honored guests and their families each year through a prom centered on demonstrating God’s love for people. It’s held simultaneously around the world on the Friday before Valentine’s Day each year. In Thomaston, Northridge Church has served as the host of Night to Shine for many years.
The event, now hosted by more than 650 churches, is made possible through the tireless efforts of more than 170,000 volunteers, including four United Bank employees: Ashley Bell, Digital Banking Specialist, Cassie Crane, Fraud Specialist Team Lead, Samantha Pilkenton, Call Center Team Lead and Shannon Hatcher, User Support Specialist – each of whom have selflessly volunteered for Night to Shine for the past three years.
These ladies are involved with the preparation and setup that leads up to the big night. They create beautiful centerpieces, amazing balloon arches, and decorate the sanctuary. They also prepare the Respite Room for the parents and caregivers to relax during the event, along with the Chill Area/Sensory room where honored guests can rest and regroup in a quiet and peaceful environment.
Once the red carpet is rolled out, Ashley, Cassie, Samantha and Shannon welcome the honored guests and their families. Each guest receives a gift bag which includes their own crown. After that, Ashley and Cassie hit the dance floor to help energize the group. Cassie says she has earned the title “hype girl” because she’s known for dancing with as many guests as she can.
“You have not experienced the cha-cha slide until you are surrounded by 100+ guests singing at the top of their lungs,” said Cassie.
Samantha enjoys serving as a buddy for the evening, an honored guest’s “date” for the night.
“I stay by their side, cheering them on, dancing, celebrating and making sure they feel like the King or Queen they are,” she said.
To wrap up the night, Tim Tebow comes on the big screens to address the crowd as the volunteers crown the Prom Kings and Queens. Once the night is over and all the guests have made their way home, Cassie, Ashley, Samantha and Shannon start cleanup duties - with hearts full of joy, peace and love.
When asked how this event impacts their lives, they all agree that the joy which emanates from the attendees is contagious and inspiring. Witnessing the guests’ eyes light up with joy and excitement reminds you how powerful love and acceptance really are.
“Investing time to serve others in this way is a true blessing. What you thought you were doing to bless someone becomes a blessing to you,” they shared. The night is full of memorable moments, not only for the guests, but for the volunteers as well.
“My favorite moment was walking the red carpet with my honored guest as everyone was cheering her on. She was so excited, she was crying,” said Samantha. “When we got to the end of the carpet, I wiped her tears, and she told me we were best friends now. We still talk weekly to check on each other.”
Ashley also points out that Night to Shine brings the volunteers from within the community together in such a meaningful way. “We’re all working toward the same goal—to make the night unforgettable for our honored guests. Through decorating, serving, dancing, and celebrating together, real connections are built. It creates a strong sense of unity, purpose, and belonging among everyone involved,” she said.
Ashley is looking forward to Night to Shine 2026, which will take place on February 13, and encourages others to join the volunteer team. “If you feel led to volunteer or know a special guest who would love to attend, we’d love to have you join us. You can sign up closer to the date by visiting Northridge Church of Thomaston's website. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Cassie, Samantha, Shannon, or me!”
Prior to joining United Bank, Shannon worked as a Special Education Parapro. Once she learned that Northridge Church was hosting this special event, she jumped straight in. “Being able to help and serve these special needs individuals again has been a blessing and a joy for me,” she said. “I highly recommend folks consider getting involved. There are so many roles that need to be filled to make this night happen. I promise volunteers will be touched in a way they will never forget!”
These four enthusiastic United Bank employees agree Night to Shine is one of the most amazing nights of the year. The event is open to anyone ages 14 and up, and they encourage anyone with a passion to serve, love, and pour into others to find a church in their local community to get involved.
Tim Tebow sums it up best, “Every person on earth needs to know they were created in God’s image and are perfectly loved by Him.” To learn more about getting involved you can visit, https://timtebowfoundation.org
United Bank is proud of these ladies and their commitment to serving the people in our communities.