Bridge Christian Church and Chattanooga’s Youth and Family Development Department will host the Third Annual SHINE, a celebration to honor individuals with special needs. “Lights, Camera……Shine!” is the theme for this year’s event which will take place on Friday, May 1, from 7-10 p.m. at the Chattanoogan Hotel’s Ballroom.
SHINE 2015 will be an evening to shower those with special needs and their families with love, dinner, dancing, pampering and warm fellowship, officials said. The event is open to all Chattanooga-area residents with special needs (ages 15 and up) and is free for the families and their caregivers.
“We are thrilled to be hosting SHINE for the third year in a row and to be partnering with Chattanooga’s Youth and Family Development Department for this year’s celebration,” says Pastor David Sternberg of Bridge Christian Church. “Each year, the number of participants has grown and we are hopeful that even more Chattanooga-area residents and their families will allow our team of volunteers and church members to serve them.”
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 stations set up in the ballroom.
A dinner prepared by the Chattanoogan’s Executive Chef Adam Roe and his culinary team will be served. After dinner, participants will enjoy carnival-style games and dancing to a variety of music provided by a DJ from Entertainment Solutions.
Each guest will be escorted by a volunteer who will spend time with them 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 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 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.