The first lady of Florida just teamed up with a football legend to act upon the Gospel message of love and provide a special experience for young people with special needs.
Casey DeSantis, the wife of Gov. Ron DeSantis, lent her support to participants in Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine” event on Friday.
“It was an honor to host 5 beautiful ladies at the Governor’s Mansion as they got ready for @TimTebow’s worldwide Night to Shine 2023,” the first lady tweeted Tuesday.
“We hope you had the best night, you certainly brightened ours!”
It was an honor to host 5 beautiful ladies at the Governor’s Mansion as they got ready for @TimTebow’s worldwide Night to Shine 2023.
We hope you had the best night, you certainly brightened ours! pic.twitter.com/BgfbtcOsDN
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) February 14, 2023
“Night to Shine,” first held in 2015, offers an “unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older,” Tebow’s foundation says on its website.
“Night to Shine is hosted by churches all around the globe who desire to share the love of Christ -with their community of people with special needs,” it says.
This year, more than 600 churches in 46 countries hosted tens of thousands of participants, Tebow said on Twitter.
600+ host Churches. 46 countries. Tens of thousands of Kings & Queens. ONE incredible Night to Shine. pic.twitter.com/GFWW6E4SX8
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 11, 2023
The former University of Florida and NFL quarterback described hosting the event as an “emotional” experience.
“It’s a dream come true to see so many people come together from around the world to experience this one night, and to see each face reflect the love of Christ in their joyful smiles,” he said on social media.
“To the countless individuals who have come alongside us to make it possible, thank you for believing in the mission!”
To the countless individuals who have come alongside us to make it possible, thank you for believing in the mission!
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 11, 2023
This year’s “Night to Shine” marked the first time it had occurred in person since the coronavirus epidemic.
Beautiful Queens of @tebowfoundation Night to Shine!
Such an amazing night one being back in person for the first time since 2020! pic.twitter.com/VHHEoBs9yL
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 9, 2023
Tebow invited more churches to host the event next year.
To refer a host church for Night to Shine 2024 visit: https://t.co/DWvvDu2708
To simply learn more about Night to Shine and @tebowfoundation visit https://t.co/kjsEF2T7gr
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 12, 2023
Participating churches are provided support and resources from the Tim Tebow Foundation.
One day before she hosted the “Night to Shine” promgoers at the Governor’s Mansion, DeSantis presented five Florida Panhandle nonprofits with grants of $10,000 apiece through Hope Florida.
The program, spearheaded by the first lady and administered by the Florida Department for Children and Families, aims “to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity, economic self-sufficiency and hope,” according to its website.
Yesterday, we awarded 5 organizations with Hope Florida Funds including @hangtoughorg & @BigBendHC.
From supporting families facing childhood illness to preventing family & veteran homelessness – we are proud of the various ways nonprofits are meeting their community’s needs. pic.twitter.com/rWHJX82nph
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) February 9, 2023
The grants Thursday went to City Church’s Foster Crew Ministry, the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, the Hang Tough Foundation, Camp Anderson and Shine Tallahassee Inc., according to a news release.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.