On Friday, February 13, volunteers from across the Outer Banks will roll out the red carpet at the Duck Country Club in Southern Shores as it transforms into something straight out of a storybook fairytale with luxurious formalwear, ballroom dancing, and dazzling crowns fit for every king and queen of the ball. But Night to Shine is more than just a prom. It’s a worldwide celebration of people with special needs, and here on the Outer Banks, it’s become one of the most meaningful events of the year.
Hosted annually by the Church of the Outer Banks in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is an all-inclusive event that values, honors, and supports honored guests and their families by way of a formal prom experience.
In annual fashion, churches across the globe will host the event simultaneously on the Friday before Valentine’s Day, each sharing the same faith-based mission: to celebrate, honor, and share love with the special needs community. The event is open to local individuals ages fourteen and older living with disabilities.
For organizer Cara Sherman, bringing Night to Shine to Dare County started with a simple conversation.
“I was approached by a lady who had worked with special needs children in Virginia and had been a part of Night to Shine there,” Sherman tells The Outer Banks Life in a recent interview.
“She asked me if I would be interested in hosting this event at Church of the Outer Banks. I love anything that brings the community together, so I spoke with Pastor Jamie [Smith] and we agreed to be a host.”
From there, the effort grew rapidly. Sherman formed a committee to help organize the large-scale event. It is a team, she says, is absolutely essential to making the night happen.
“This event would not be possible without this team, especially Christine Schleiden who coordinates all the guests, their buddies and volunteers. This is a huge job,” she said.
And “huge” is no exaggeration.
The 2026 celebration is set to include a grand red carpet entrance escorted by local first responders, a cheering welcome crowd, hair and makeup stations to help attendees feel their very best, limousine rides, karaoke, a photo booth, flowers and corsages, gifts, a catered dinner, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where each guest is designated king or queen.
There’s even a sensory room for those who need a quieter space and a respite area where parents and caregivers can relax while still watching the excitement unfold.
“The crowning ceremony honors every guest as a king or a queen — the way God sees them each and every day,” Sherman tells our readers.
While every year leaves lasting memories, Sherman says it’s the joy of the guests that stays with her most.
“Every year is so special. There are truly no words that describe the happiness that our guests experience during this event. It reminds me of what heaven will be like.”
And this year, there’s an extra surprise planned.
“I can tell you this year we have a surprise proposal, so that should be a memory for the books,” Sherman added.
Although Night to Shine centers on its honored guests, Sherman says the ripple effect across the entire community is just as powerful.
“Honestly, although the event is for the Night to Shine guests whom I know have the time of their life, the most impact is on those who volunteer and support this event,” she said. “It brings our community together and unites us for one night and the same purpose.”
From donated services to sponsorships to countless volunteer hours, Night to Shine is truly a community-wide effort. Volunteer registration for this year is closed, and each volunteer completes training and a background check to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Those interested in helping with future events can follow the Church of the Outer Banks on social media or visit their website at churchobx.com for updates about next year.
As Sherman sees it, that’s the heart of the night: neighbors showing up for neighbors.
“Night to Shine allows us to provide the most magical night for the special needs community not just in Dare County but surrounding areas, but also brings the community together,” she said.
And for one sparkling evening on the OBX, everyone gets their moment to shine.
Event organizers would like to extend a special thank you to the following 2026 Night to Shine sponsors:
Financial Sponsors
- Albemarle Landscaping
- Anderson Heating and Cooling
- Atlantic Elevators
- BRS Electrical
- Checkpoint Security, LLC
- Coastal Carolina Vacations LLC
- Confetti Travel
- Evans & Meads LLC
- Full Tilt Blinds
- Gallop Roofing
- Genia Smith
- Grounds Pros
- Guaranteed Rate
- Joe Rhodes
- Kellogg Supply Company
- Living Oaks Landscaping
- Macko Construction
- Manteo Furniture and Appliance
- Midgett Auto
- Mike Teague
- Morgan DDS
- Oneal’s Seafood
- OBX Window Tint
- R. A. Hoy Heating and A/C
- Saga Realty and Construction
- Salty Hair Salon
- Seely Family
- Sea and Sound Tackle
- Seema Rothstein
- Seto’s Towing
- Steamers
- Surfin’ Spoon
- Surf & Sound Realty
- The Gentleman Plumber
- Towne Bank
- Trey & Jennifer Black
Product Sponsors
- Dare K-9 DJ/Karaoke
- Sign Gypsies OBX and IBX
- Hometown Amusement
- October Jae
- Nags Head Florist
- Metro Rental
The post Feel Good Features: “It reminds me of what heaven will be like” — ‘Night to Shine’ returns to the OBX this Friday appeared first on The Outer Banks Life.