For tens of thousands of people around the world, the weekend before Valentine’s Day is the best time of the year. Why? Well, Tim Tebow and his foundation hold their annual “Night to Shine,” which is a vivacious prom for those with special needs.

The former Heisman quarterback and current outfielder for the New York Mets organization is now in his fourth year of hosting the event that gives people who normally feel like “outsiders” the opportunity to fit in, and shine on the red carpet and on the dance floor.

Night to Shine was held in 540 churches globally Friday night, and more than 90,000 guests were given the VIP treatment with the help of 175,000 volunteers.

The royal treatment included things like hair and makeup stations for women, shoe shining stations for men, and cheering crowds and paparazzi as guests made their way down the red carpet.

“It’s my favorite night of the year and we get to change so many lives,” Tebow said in a video promoting the event. “Honestly, it’s not just the night of their life where they get to dance, and they get to have fun. They get to ride in limos, they get to walk down red carpets.”

 

 

 

 

Each year, Tebow personally visits a handful of proms in various locations (thanks to a chartered plane). Not only does he pose for photos and dance with guests, but he makes sure that everyone feels like they are the king or queen of the prom. Hence, that’s why each guest receives radiant headware.

“It’s so much more than life, because maybe for the first time, they realize that they’re worth it,” Tebow said. “They realize that they’re special. They realize that they’re loved. There’s not much more important than that.”

Valentine’s Day may be the quintessential “Hallmark holiday,” but there’s isn’t anything artificial about Night to Shine and all the love it exudes.