There are always questions about Night to Shine, so here are some answers to the questions we most frequently receive. We’ve broken the questions down into those most pertinent to guests and volunteers.
If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, you can always reach out to St. Andrew’s to get further details. You can call the church at 636-586-2472 or email ministry@standrewsumcdesoto.org.
GUEST FAQs:
When and where is Night to Shine?
Friday, February 7, 2025, in the gymnasium of Vineland Elementary School (650 Vineland School Road, De Soto, Missouri 63020)
Is Night to Shine a free event?
YES! We are able to offer this prom night experience free of charge thanks to a grant from the Jefferson Foundation, profits from annual fundraisers (trivia night and street collection), support from community partners, and private donations.
Is the facility handicapped accessible?
Yes. Most of the event is on one level and there is no need for stairs. Guest arrival/registration, salon services and shoeshines take place in the school cafeteria. The cafeteria has an entrance in the back of the school building on level, flat ground. An elevator is available inside the school for use too.
Who is eligible to be a guest?
The event is open to anyone with physical or cognitive special needs, ages 14 or older. We do not have specific guidelines for the eligibility of guests in relation to the legitimacy or severity of their disabilities.
How do I become a guest or register a guest?
Guest registration forms can be found on our website here.
How many guests have attended Night to Shine in the past?
We have averaged 131 guests since the first in-person Night to Shine event in De Soto in 2018.
What is the dress code for Night to Shine?
Guests wear semi-formal or formal attire. Ladies are most likely in dresses, while gentlemen usually dress in pants and a nice shirt. Renting a tux is not necessary, but you may do so if you wish. We provide crowns, tiaras, boutonnieres, and corsages for our guests. We also have an assortment of dresses, ties, button-down shirts, and other accessories if a guest needs attire prior to the event.
Can parents, caregivers and/or paraprofessionals attend with guests?
We encourage parents to enjoy our caregiver area and relax during the event if they choose. We do, however, want to allow guests to engage with their peers during the event. Unless a family member, caregiver or paraprofessional is registered to be a volunteer buddy, we ask that the event be for our honored guests and buddy volunteers. If a guest requires constant monitoring, exceptions will be made. We want the experience to be fun and safe for everyone.
Can guests be dropped off?
Yes, guests can be dropped off while their caregivers enjoy an evening on their own. Caregivers can choose to stay with us for the evening and are provided a meal and dessert in our special caregiver area.
What time should guests arrive?
Guest registration and salon services are open 4:30—6:00 pm.
Is medical staff onsite for emergencies during the event?
Yes, we have local first responders onsite to attend to guests’ needs.
What is provided to eat?
A catered dinner is provided to all guests and their buddies, and there is a dessert table, too! Guests should share their special dietary needs during the registration process.
What time does Night to Shine end?
The event ends at 9:00 pm.
As a guest, do I have to have a Buddy, or can I bring a date, caregiver, or a friend?
Every guest is paired with a buddy, even if they are coming with a date or friend. We encourage everyone to have a great night as friends celebrating together.
VOLUNTEER FAQs:
When and where is the event?
Friday, February 7, 2025, in the gymnasium of Vineland Elementary School (650 Vineland School Road, De Soto, Missouri 63020)
What is the minimum age for a volunteer?
Student volunteers ages 14-18
Adult volunteers ages 18 and older
How many volunteers are needed?
We need between 200-300 volunteers. The bulk of our volunteers are buddies since a buddy is paired with every guest. Night to Shine is a large event, and we do not turn away volunteers!
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteer registration forms can be found here.
Why do I need a background screening?
All adult volunteers are required to have a clean background screening. We run these through the Family Care Safety Registry and cover the cost as well. Our guests are very special to us, and screenings are a way we minimize risk associated with attending such an event.
What if I am already in the Family Care Safety Registry or think that I might be?
You can check that using your social security number here.
What is a Buddy volunteer?
Each guest is paired with a volunteer “buddy” when they reach the end of the red carpet, and they spend the evening together. The “buddy” serves as a guide and friend throughout the night. The buddy helps the guest around the building, assists with dinner, and of course is an excellent dancing partner!
What other volunteer opportunities are available at Night to Shine?
Event set-up, guest salon services (hair styling, make-up application and nail painting), coronation and flower table, coat-check, parking team, just to name a few opportunities.
Do Buddies receive training and clearance?
Background checks are required for volunteers 18 years of age and older. Prior to the red carpet ceremony, buddies gather together, and a Night to Shine committee member reviews the flow of the event, expectations, and safety reminders.
Can I request to be paired as a Buddy with a specific guest?
We do our best to accommodate requests, but we cannot make any guarantees.
Is medical staff onsite for emergencies during the event?
Yes, we have local first responders onsite to attend to guests’ needs.
What must I bring for the event as a volunteer?
Adult volunteers – please bring a photo ID.
What should volunteers wear?
Volunteers typically wear semi-formal or formal wear to help create a prom experience for the guests, but it is not required. Please consider wearing comfortable shoes!!
Is food available for volunteers?
Yes. Buddies eat the catered meal with the guest they are paired with during the event. Food is provided in a break area for all other event volunteers.
Can I make a financial donation?
Absolutely! 100% of your donation goes toward making Night to Shine a fabulous event. Private donations are always accepted and appreciated at any time. Please visit our site here for the different giving options. Use the “Give Online” button and select the “Night to Shine” fund to give online.
What other donations do you need?
Dresses, male dress pants, male dress shirts, ties, shoes (male and female), and accessories (jewelry, hats, etc).
How can I support Night to Shine throughout the year?
Our yearly trivia night fundraiser is in October. We always need players, sponsors, volunteers and donations for our basket raffle and silent auction.
In May 2024, we did a Street Collection on Main Street in De Soto. It was a huge success, and we plan to do it again in 2025!