Night to Shine/ McPherson

Around Valentine’s Day each year, an event takes place across the world, a night dedicated to celebrating and honoring individuals with special needs: Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Here in Kansas, seven Night to Shine events were held in 2026, each hosted by a local church committed to creating an unforgettable evening for its guests. Ask A Kansan attended the McPherson County event sponsored by Journey Mennonite Church in McPherson.

While each Night to Shine celebration has its own personality, some traditions are shared everywhere. One of the most iconic is the red carpet welcome. Guests arriving at the McPherson event stepped off the bus to an eager crowd ready to cheer them on as they showcased their outfits, walked the red carpet, and posed for the paparazzi. Inside the venue, guests and their buddies shared a meal before stepping through a tunnel of lights and into a night filled with dancing, karaoke, crafts, and games. The atmosphere was electric, joyful, and centered on making every guest feel like royalty. The night couldn't have happened without the efforts of Journey Mennonite Church, and countless volunteers who donated their time to make others feel welcomed and have a memorable night.  Photos and story by Tanner Colvin