Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the Night to Shine has been a staple of community solidarity since 2015. This year, it was observed by 820 churches across 60 countries, including right here in the United States.
Closer to home, the annual celebration is held at the First United Methodist Church of Union County and welcomes guests from Union, Towns and Fannin counties across Georgia, and North Carolina counties Clay and Cherokee.
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The magical night fell on Friday, Feb. 7, with 94 guests enjoying the celebration with buddies and caretakers. In addition to that, 315 volunteers helped put everything together and kept things running smoothly. It’s worth noting that attendance was slightly up compared with past events.
2025 was extra special because of the inclusion of a third bus, according to local event organizer Scott Terry. One of the highlights of the night is to ride one of the party buses around the Blairsville Square.
“We were really hurting for our guests that were not able to ride the buses because of mobility issues, and so we started last year talking with some folks, and the county was generous enough to allow us to use one of their wheelchair-accessible vehicles,” explained Terry.
The buses, decorated each year to match changing color schemes, allow the rest of the community to interact with the event’s kings and queens. It’s become a tradition for people to line the streets of Downtown Blairsville when the party buses make their three rounds, waving and cheering for the riders inside.
For how much fun the kings and queens have, their caregivers are also treated to a night out. Families and partners are served dinner and can even participate in a raffle and play games like music bingo.
Samantha Matheson’s sister Morgan was one of the queens for the night, and this was their third year attending from Hiawassee. Matheson admitted it brought her joy to see her sister get so excited in the months leading up to Night to Shine.
“It’s a great opportunity for people in need with disabilities,” Matheson said. “It’s great for the community; everyone is willing to help no matter what.”
Meanwhile, John Riley of Hayesville was cutting a rug on the dancefloor with his friends and his buddy for the night, Jan Teagle. Teagle, who lives in Union County, is a retired special education teacher, and she calls the Night to Shine attendees her “tribe.”
“He’s been the best date I’ve had in years,” said Teagle with a grin. “I can’t say enough about this charming young man, and he’s the best dancer out there.”
According to Riley, his mother taught him all his moves. Aurellia Riley was there to reunite with him at the end of the night, and she was thankful for the chance the Night to Shine gave for her son to go out and have a great time.
“I love it,” John said of the event, echoing the sentiment of his peers, all of whom were crowned kings and queens at the end of the night. To wrap up, everyone was given the chance to return to the dancefloor as their caretakers watched from the walkway above.
“Our Night to Shine,” performed by Rascal Flatts, is the official theme of the worldwide phenomenon, and is always played as the kings and queens enjoy one final dance. Balloons, held in a net above the crowd throughout the evening, are released in one final hurrah, carrying the love of an entire community with them.
