WOODLAND PARK, N.J. — In 2018, St. Ann’s Melkite Church followed the lead of the Tim Tebow Foundation by hosting an annual Night to Shine event, with the singular goal of giving people with special needs a prom-like experience. The Manhattan Men’s Golf team wanted to do their part to help the Northern New Jersey Catholic Parish have a spectacular event for those participating. 

Manhattan Golf Head Coach and Director Keith Prokop planted the idea of getting the team involved through his mother-in-law, Joann Fakhoury, who heads up the Night to Shine chapter at St. Ann’s Melkite Church. The presence of the Jaspers added to the cameradie of the evening. 

“We are always thrilled to have them, and we look forward to seeing them every year,” said Fakhoury. “We can not thank them enough for being such an important part of making our event a success.”

On Friday, the Jaspers showed up to the heartwarming gala to dance with and embrace the Kings and Queens who walked the red carpet. Among the biggest takeaways for Prokop and the student-athletes was not simply just the act of kindness that was paid forward, but rather how it enriched their own lives with greater meaning. 

Jaspers Golf encourages you to refer your parish today to partner with Night to Shine, in hopes of continuing a tradition started by the Tim Tebow Foundation.  

Night to Shine is a complementary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Each event is unique to its location, but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or a Queen – the way God sees them each and every day.

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