PHOTOS: 2026 Night to Shine at The Chapel

HURON TWP. — They danced, sung and partied the night away. On Friday, for the fourth straight year, The Chapel in Sandusky hosted its 2026 Night to Shine event. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, this "unforgettable prom night experience" — centered on God's love and celebrating people with special needs — simultaneously took place across other churches and worship centers worldwide. "It is a night where we celebrate and share God's love with people with special needs," according to the foundation. Tebow, a former standout collegiate and professional football player, is now a broadcaster, religious leader and humanitarian, focused on giving back to others. "Tim Tebow's mission is to bring faith, hope and love to people in need through the Tim Tebow Foundation," according to a nonprofit statement. Locally, about 550 people — consisting of guests, their buddies and volunteers — and organizers attended this year's event at The Chapel. Throughout the evening, guests could: • Walk down a red carpet before arriving in the grand hall • Visit hair and makeup stations • Receive corsages and boutonnieres • Enjoy a catered dinner • Take part in dancing and karaoke • Relax in a respite room, primarily for parents and caregivers • Enter a sensory room featuring therapy dogs, art stations and other activities • Witness a crowning ceremony in which every honored guest receives a crown or tiara "This Night to Shine event (is not) possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers and many area businesses who supported the event," according to an event statement from The Chapel. "The Chapel and the Tim Tebow Foundation are so grateful for those who make this global experience possible," it read. "The Chapel's mission is to help people move one step closer to God and each other. Seeing the joy on our honored guests' faces as they experienced love from their community was a great example of this mission in action."