Night to Shine event that takes place in the Rogalski Center at St. Ambrose University. Photo courtesy of Broc Schmidt.
SAU volunteers and students are gearing up for a unique event that’s rooted in tradition, joy, and inclusion. Night to Shine is set to take place February 13th in the Rogalski Ballroom. Night to Shine is a prom-like event held annually all around the world for individuals with disabilities. This night is all about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Months of Planning Behind One Magical Night
Creating this experience starts months in advance. Kaylen Abrahamsen, a senior human health and performance major, started the on campus club, Bee Adaptive and Inclusive, and does a lot of work behind the scenes for this event
“To prepare for Night to Shine, it takes months… to best fulfill the needs of our honorary guests,” explains Kaylen. “This event is about more than just one night, its about the time, care, and effort poured in to create an unforgettable experience.”
SAU Sophomore Marissa Steben says the work is worth it. “This event is a very large task but it is truly one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of,” says Marissa, “After being a volunteer last year and seeing the joy on their faces the night of the dance, I knew I wanted to be more involved this year.”
Volunteers and Honorary Guests Make the Night Special
One aspect of this night that makes it so special is all the volunteers that come together to help on the night of the event. These volunteers help with setup, makeup, serving as buddies for the guests and many more.
SAU Senior Zach Hewett recalls last year’s Night to Shine when he participated as a buddy. “Choosing to volunteer as a buddy was the best decision. I had so much fun with the guest I was paired with, it felt great to be a part of creating her unforgettable night and I can’t wait to do it again this year.”
Volunteers aren’t the only ones looking forward to hitting the dance floor. This night is something that the honored guests look forward to every year. “I am so excited to see all of our honorary guests dressed up and returning to Ambrose.” says Kaylen.
“Hosting Nigh to Shine on campus created an incredible sense of community… our guests have come to see Ambrose as a second home, showing up to so many on campus events. I love that they can attend Night to Shine at a place they already know and love.”
As Preparation Begins the Anticipation Rises
As all the last minute preparations begin to transform the Rogalski ballroom into a prom wonderland the excitement starts to spread. Picking the music, prepping the photo booth, setting up the chairs and tables, organizing the food, and rolling out the red carpet are all the last steps of preparing for a night of joy, dancing, laughs, and inclusion.
“Setting up for the dance earlier in the day really does build up the excitement because you start to see it all come together and you can envision how the night is going to go” says Marissa. “It is just a reminder of how truly special this night is and how much dedication students and volunteers have to put in to make this night one that the guests will never forget.”
More than Just a Dance
Night to Shine always leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved and they are hoping to leave guests and volunteers alike with that same feeling this year. As final plans are set SAU students, volunteers, and honorary guests look forward to getting dressed to impress and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
