Prom held for people with special needs

FAITHLIFE staff report
02/28/2018

Matthew Serafin, a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, arrives on the red carpet at the Night to Shine prom night at Erie’s St. James Church. (Photo by Debra Gilmore)

Paparazzi and the red carpet greeted more than 100 people with special needs at the Night to Shine event Feb. 9 at St. James Church in Erie.

Another 300 volunteers, buddies and family members of those with disabilities also participated in the unforgettable prom night experience sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“The night was just phenomenal,” said Jim Serafin, whose 17-year-old son Matthew was among the celebrated guests. “He was excited the whole week before. It gave him the independence to be by himself and celebrate instead of having mom and dad with him all the time.”

St. James was among more than 500 churches around the world that hosted a Night to Shine event that same evening. The Diocese of Erie’s Office of Disabilities Ministries offered volunteer hours and planning.

“I think this was a wonderful evening. It certainly brought to light the fact that there is a wonderful movement in Erie to not forget people with disabilities,” said Michele Inter,a director of the diocesan office. “We all need joy in our lives.”

Night to Shine invites anyone with a disability to attend the red carpet event, complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi to take photographs.

The Tim Tebow Foundation provided St. James and all host churches with official planning manuals, kits, decorations and gifts for guests.

The honored guests get limousine rides and, once inside, have the opportunity to receive a hair and makeup treatment, a shoe shine, corsages and boutonniers, prom favors and a catered dinner. They participate in karaoke and, of course, dancing. Each guest is crowned king or queen. A separate room is provided for parents and caretakers.

Jim Serafin and his wife, Kim, parishioners of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, were happy that their son Matthew participated. He was born with a brain malformity that caused cerebral palsy. Diagnosed when he was five months old, he currently is a sophomore in a life skills class at McDowell High School. Despite his challenges, he has been active in Boy Scouts, basketball and track.

“We hope to see this event offered again. It was exciting to be a part of it,” Jim Serafin said. “It was rewarding for parents, too. I met parents I haven’t talked to and we shared our challenges and opportunities.”

For more information about Night to Shine, visit http://timtebowfoundation.org/index.php/night-to-shine/.