GALT, CA (MPG) - It was a prom-like atmosphere on Friday evening at Galt High School for the annual “Night to Shine” event, which brings together volunteers and the Sacramento region’s special needs community for a night of dancing and revelry.

And shine they did. 

More than 200 Queens and Kings attended the event and were given the full celebrity treatment, including a limo ride and a walk down the red carpet with paparazzi-style photo opportunities to help commemorate the evening.

One of the lead organizers, Christina Wilhelm with Horizon Community Church in Galt, which has put on the event for the past eight years, said the celebration was a night to remember for the local community. 

“It’s just an experience to be the one to just watch it all happen,” Wilhelm said. “The looks on their faces, that is what makes it worth it.” 

The event, spearheaded by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the nonprofit operated by former college and NFL star Quarterback Tim Tebow, was started in 2014 at a single church and has since spread to over 820 churches across 62 countries. 

The event has also grown locally.

Previously, “Night to Shine” was held in Lodi at Hutchins Street Square, but Wilhelm said the event outgrew that space, leading to a search for a new home. Galt High School stepped up and allowed the event to use its two gymnasiums, but still, it was a tight fit. 

This year there were more than 200 honored guests, as opposed to 150 the year prior, along with more than 600 “buddies” and volunteers, compared to 500 from the previous year. 

Once inside, Tiffany Damert, who Wilhelm described as her right hand for the event, said the guests were able to dance, listen to music and enjoy a carnival room with games, karaoke and a photo booth.

“It turned out really well,” Damert said. “It was a fun atmosphere and we were really having a lot of fun with the karaoke and singing. Everyone would clap when someone would go up and sing.” 

Wilhelm said the night wouldn’t be possible without a windfall of donations and hundreds of volunteers that give their time for the event.  

Some of the local “buddies” and volunteers for the event included Mayor Shawn Farmer and Council member Tim Reed. 

“It was really cool that it was in Galt for the first time, and I really applaud the school district for getting involved and making Galt High School available,” Farmer said. “It really felt like you were in a high school prom.”

“It totally took me back,” Famer added. “It was awesome.”  

Wilhelm said the church is already starting to work on next year’s event, and anyone who would like to participate in the 2026 Night to Shine can contact the church at [email protected].