CORTLAND, Ohio - Folks with special needs gathered in Cortland Friday night for the prom event of a lifetime.

About 77 guests attended the annual "Night to Shine" prom event at the Wildare Church in Cortland. The event is held every year on the Friday before Valentine's Day. 

This is the first time the event has been conducted in person since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Guests roll up in limousines and make their way down the red carpet. From there, all that's left to do is dance the night away.

Event coordinator, Trish Shafer tells 21 News this is a night all about reminding those with special needs that they are loved.

"The people from this church and community just want to show them how special they are and important they are and how God loves them and that they were made in the image of God," Shafer said.

While groups can receive grants from the Tim Tebow foundation, the Wildare Church has self-funded this event every year.