Episode Details

In the hustle and bustle of event planning, it is easy to get lost in the logistics of venues, catering, and schedules. But for Liz Crawford, the director of Tallahassee’s Night to Shine, every detail serves a singular, divine purpose: making the special needs community feel like the most important people on the face of the earth. Night to Shine, an initiative launched by the Tim Tebow Foundation twelve years ago, has grown into a global phenomenon. In Tallahassee, it has become one of the largest proms in the country. Hosted at Immanuel Baptist Church, the event is a masterclass in Christian hospitality, featuring everything from petting zoos and karaoke to the hallmark moment where every guest is crowned a King or Queen. "God puts you in a place when He feels like that's what He wants you to do," Liz says, reflecting on her journey from a business sponsor to the director of the event. Her passion for this community isn't limited to a one-night event; it carries over into her business, SportClips. In an industry where some might find it "inconvenient" to serve those with physical or intellectual needs, Liz trains her staff to provide "haircuts with heart," even if it means cutting hair while sitting on the floor to make a guest feel comfortable. The upcoming prom on February 13th is expected to host 1,200 guests, bringing the total attendance to nearly 2,000 people. This massive undertaking requires a specific kind of hero: the "Buddy." A Buddy is a volunteer who stays by a guest's side for the entire night, ensuring they are safe, celebrated, and never alone. Currently, the organization is seeking 140 additional volunteers to fill these roles. For those looking to put their faith into action, it is a tangible opportunity to reflect the love of Christ to an underserved community. As Liz notes, the goal is simple yet profound—to ensure that for one night, these guests know exactly how much they are valued by their community and their Creator.