Albany’s Byne Baptist Church to host 2nd annual ‘Night to Shine’ event Friday night

ALBANY, Ga. – On Friday night, Byne Baptist Church in north Albany will be holding a major event geared towards giving people of all ages with mental disabilities a night they and their families won’t forget. And, it’s called ‘Night to Shine.’

Assistant Pastor, Hal Pinson took us around Byne’s property to show us all the work they and the hundreds of volunteers are putting on for the second annual ‘Night to Shine.’

“Just the whole community pours into this. And, it’s just a great night. They financially support it, they support it with gifts. It’s just been a huge thing…” said Hal Pinson, Asst. Pastor, Byne Baptist Church.

One of the big facets of the event is getting the participants all dressed up to make them feel special in the most positive way possible.

From hair and makeup for the women, to shoe shines for the men.

It’s all about giving them a chance to get away.

“…They get to ride in a limo around the facility with emergency vehicles waving them off. Then they get out on a 70 foot carpet where people are just waving at them and loving on them and cheering them on. And, just to see their faces and see their expressions, they just feel the love…” said Pinson.

The contributions from more than 20 churches and various community partners and local businesses sends a message to the night to shine guests, their caregivers and their families.

“They get to come in that evening and get a chance to just enjoy the evening. And, know that their loved one is being taken care of and guided through the evening with a buddy, and they’ve got everything they need, access if they need to. But, just to kind of be able to take a deep breath and relax,” said Pinson.

And, men of faith like Pinson hope that ‘Night to Shine’ truly sends a message of positivity.

“…But, we hope those friendships continue on forever. And, that they build relationship with folks in the community and to people who may not have always known how to approach people with special needs will feel more comfortable and realize, ‘hey, they’re just different like I’m different,'” said Pinson.

If you are still interested in donating or volunteering, you can visit Byne Baptist Church’s website https://byne.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/148559891 or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ntsbyne/.

The event begins at the church this Friday, February 9th at 5:30 p.m.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2024 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.