Night to Shine: A Night of Love, Joy, and Empowerment for Haiti’s Special Needs Community

Many individuals with special needs in Haiti felt isolated and overlooked. In a country where accessibility for people with disabilities is still a distant dream, many face a life of invisibility and hardship. But for one extraordinary evening, everything changed. Night to Shine, organized in collaboration with the Tim Tebow Foundation, offered these individuals an opportunity to feel seen, celebrated, and valued — an experience that many had never known.

Walkens, one of the staff members, shared a powerful reflection:
“Before, people with disabilities were often humiliated in society. But tonight, they felt proud of who they are. This event made them feel that they have a place in society and that they are valued.”

A Night to Remember: Compassion and Empowerment

Marie Fortune Pierre, a 28-year-old from Jacmel, was one of the guests at the event. Reflecting on the experience, she used a single word to describe the entire evening:
“Compassion.” She explained, “Compassion and love are the forces that motivated someone to organize this event for people like me. I felt so special, and I forgot all my problems for a while.” For Marie, Night to Shine was more than just a night of fun — it was a reminder of the deep love and compassion that exists for people with special needs in Haiti.

Her experience didn’t just stop there. It inspired her to view serving others in a new light:
“The way I was treated by my buddy, D’Jolande, and the joy I saw around me made me think about how I can serve others. I may be disabled, but there are people with even more severe disabilities than mine. They need my help, and I will continue to serve them the best way I can.” Marie illustrates how this night of celebration can spark lasting change in a community — changing not only how people with special needs view themselves but also how they view their responsibility to others.

A Heartfelt Celebration of Inclusion

For the staff who helped bring this event to life, the significance of the evening was equally profound. Maxime shared how the red carpet walk wasn’t just about fun — it was a moment of empowerment for everyone involved:
“It’s not just about dancing. It’s about everyone feeling celebrated, valued, and singing together. The red carpet walk made me so happy because it highlighted the beauty of each person, showing their importance.”

Jack’son, another staff member, expressed how the event brought the community together, reinforcing the message that no one should be left behind:
“The red carpet walk symbolized that there are no differences among us. Everyone deserves to be celebrated and recognized, no matter their situation.”

Natacha, another staff member, shared how the event also provided an opportunity for individuals with special needs to see themselves differently:
“I loved seeing how everyone was made to feel beautiful. It’s a space where people with disabilities can learn to love themselves, receive special attention, and realize they are worthy of care and beauty.”

Walkens, deeply moved by the event, reflected on a particularly touching moment:
“The part that most touched my heart was when one of the participants, who was disabled, encouraged another disabled person to lift their spirits and reminded them that they are just like everyone else and can do everything others can do.” In that moment, the power of solidarity and self-empowerment shone brightly, proving that the event was not just a night of celebration — it was a night of healing, encouragement, and connection.

A Spiritual Foundation: Serving with Love

The evening wasn’t just a social celebration; it was a profound reminder of God’s love. Guyteau, one of the staff, recalled the moment when Pastor John shared the message of God’s unconditional love for all: “I really liked the moment when the message was delivered, where Pastor John explained how God’s love for mankind is great and how faithful God is to us.” The message of faith and love strengthened the bonds among everyone present, reminding them that they are all cherished by the creator of the universe.

A Reflection of Love, Joy, and Hope

From the moment the event began, it was clear that Night to Shine was not just about one night of celebration — it was a movement that redefined how people with special needs are viewed in Haiti. The recurring theme of love and compassion echoed throughout the evening. Whether it was the compassion expressed by Marie, the joy experienced by the participants, or the powerful sense of community felt by everyone involved, the night showcased the boundless potential of what can happen when people are valued and celebrated for who they are.

Throughout the night, staff and participants alike used various words to describe the significance of the event. These words spoke to the essence of Night to Shine — and the impact it had on everyone:

• Compassion: The force that brought the event to life, driven by a desire to uplift and celebrate.
• Strength: The inner strength of the participants showcased in their confidence and participation.
• Joy: The happiness shared by all, from the red carpet walk to the dance floor.
• Happiness: The pure joy of being seen, heard, and celebrated.
• Love: A constant presence throughout the evening, reinforcing the message that everyone is deserving of care, dignity, and respect.

As we look ahead to next year’s event, we are reminded that Night to Shine is more than just a celebration. It is a movement — a celebration of humanity, a challenge to break down barriers, and a call to create a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is valued, celebrated, and told about the love of a Savior. Let’s continue to stand together to ensure that no one is forgotten and that every person has the opportunity to shine.