Former NFL quarterback and current SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow has been described as man with a heart of gold. Last year, his non-profit charity Tim Tebow Foundation sponsored 44 simultaneous prom events for children with special needs in 26 different states plus two countries—Uganda and Kenya.
Over 7,000 people attended his "Night to Shine" prom, with more than 1,500 volunteers making the events possible. Now, the Tim Tebow Foundation is trying to outdo itself by increasing the number of proms to sponsor.
The Tim Tebow Foundation confirmed to PEOPLE that they will be holding 200 proms in 48 states and eight different countries. Just like before, there will be "friendly paparazzi" waiting for guests to arrive in tuxes and gowns. The kids would also be given corsages and boutonnieres, and they will be treated to a makeover with hair and makeup stations readily available for them.
No prom would be complete without any singing and dancing, and the Tim Tebow Foundation has got that covered as well.
Tebow is simply floored how they managed to increase the prom events to 450 percent this year. "Every time I think about it, I'm so humbled and amazed by the way God has continued to grow Night to Shine," he said. "I can't wait for February 12th; it's my favorite night of the year."
The 28-year-old Tebow said he has been dreaming of the "Night to Shine" prom ever since he was just a kid, and he's happy that his dream has come to fruition.
"When I was 15 years old, I began to realise the importance of fighting for people who can't fight for themselves," he explained. "As a foundation, we are so passionate about people with special needs, and this event is a great time to tell them how much they are loved by God and by all of us."
Erik Dellenback, the executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation, hopes that the "Night to Shine" prom will encourage people to think not only of themselves and their significant others on Valentine's Day.
"We hope that the movement of Night to Shine not only transforms the way we think about Valentine's Day, but also launches or enhances ongoing special needs ministries within churches around the world," said Dellenback. "And provides a place where our honoured guests can be celebrated and loved throughout the year."
