It wasn’t a normal Night to Shine, but it was the least they could do in light of the pandemic.
For about an hour, cars passed through a line of cheering volunteers who braved the chilling wind sweeping across the Redemption Christian Church parking lot. They waved and swayed to the music as the cars approached the church’s east entrance where more volunteers handed out goody bags and took photos of the special guests to the Shine Thru.
While the normal dancing, food, games, more dancing, photos, and even more dancing weren’t to be had like the typical prom-like experience participants have come to expect, the smiles still shone as they were honored Friday afternoon.
Kari Land waved at the crowd of volunteers as she was driven through the Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon. <Photos by Matthew Crane.>
Casey Thayer cheesed for a photo after being driven through the Shine Thru at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon.
Zach Beckman looked at his mom, Vickie, after driving through the special Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon.
Jennifer Cortez smiled as she was greeted by volunteers in the line at the Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon.
Stephanie Terwiske smiled joyfully after being driven through the line of volunteers and receiving a special gift bag as part of the Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon.
Kaitlyn Brimdley smiled as she was greeted with a gift at the end of the line of volunteers at the Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon.
Dylene Garland waved at the line of volunteers as she was driven up through the Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church Friday afternoon.
Robert Noble (vehicle) fist-bumped Ryan Stiles as he was driven through the line of volunteers celebrating the Shine Thru held at Redemption Christian Church in Jasper Friday afternoon
Volunteers provided a line of signs, balloons, stars and cheers as special guests to the Shine Thru were driven through to receive a special photo opportunity and goody bag. Forced to make changes due to the pandemic, the event hosted by Redemption Christian Church replaced the annual prom-like event held for residents with special needs.
