Annual Prom for Chattanooga-Area Residents with Special Needs

Bridge Christian Church and The City of Chattanooga’s Youth and Family Development Department are partnering again to host the Fourth Annual SHINE, a celebration to honor individuals with special needs. SHINE will be held on Friday, May 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Chattanoogan hotel’s Ballroom. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top.”

Chattanooga-area residents with special needs and their families will be showered with love, dinner, dancing, carnival games, pampering and warm fellowship at the event. SHINE is open to all residents with special needs (ages 15 and up) and is free for families and caregivers.

“We are so excited to be hosting our fourth annual event,” says Pastor David Sternberg of Bridge Christian Church. “SHINE is central to our church’s mission and is the highlight of our year.”

When guests arrive at The Chattanoogan, a professional photographer will take pictures of participants as they walk down the red carpet. Photographers will also capture candid images throughout the evening, and there will be photography booths set up in the ballroom.

Carnival style performers, such as jugglers, face painters and magicians, will delight guests throughout the evening. Participants will also enjoy dancing to a variety of music provided by a DJ from Entertainment Solutions.

A delicious buffet dinner and dessert provided by The Chattanoogan and prepared by Executive Chef Adam Roe and his talented culinary team will be served.

Volunteers will spend time with guests during the evening’s festivities while caregivers have the option of being pampered in the Caregiver Relaxation Room, a designated area for caregivers to enjoy rest and relaxation while their loved ones takes part in fun activities. Massages, mini-manicures and mini-pedicures will be provided at no charge.

Partygoers are encouraged to wear what they are most comfortable in, from jeans to formal attire.

Participants should pre-register at www.shinechattanooga.org or by calling Bridge Christian Church at (423) 463-0202. Interested volunteers and potential donors may also call the church office or sign up online.

Bridge Christian Church is a non-denominational, independent Christian Church that was founded in 2010. Gatherings are held at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday at Westview Elementary School in the East Brainerd community of Chattanooga. For more information about Bridge Christian Church, call the church at (423) 463-0202 or visit the church’s Website at www.bridgechristian.org.

The Chattanooga Youth and Family Development Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Division provides leisure and recreational opportunities for area youth and adults with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Through its programs, education and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks, and enhance overall quality of life.