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A "Night to Shine" for over 400 in Harford County

Special needs prom draws hundreds Friday
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Thanks to Harford County's Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and The Time Tebow Foundation, hundreds with special needs got a prom night Friday.

The Night To Shine happens every year, but for those who attended, it felt more like something that happens only once in a lifetime.

From limo rides, to crowning every participant a prom king and queen, Friday's prom was just like the real thing.

Craig McLaughlin, the pastor of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church told ABC2, "It is so incredibly important and awesome to just show love, a whole lot of love to people who so often are ignored, forgotten about."

No one was forgotten about Friday night. 

"It's such an exciting night for everyone in our family.  Special needs kids they don't get the opportunity to go to these types of events so this is just a wonderful thing not only for her but all the kids that are here," father, Brian Abbe, said.

Everyone had a smile and all were appreciated for just who they are.

"Its wonderful event and it celebrates how special they are.  We're excited to be here and part of it with her," said mother Maureen Abbe, talking about her daughter, Hannah.

And while some may see disabilities as a disadvantage others only the positives in their lives.

"I like friends and family,  I like basketball, my mom and dad like football, I like volleyball, and I have a lot of friends," one participant, Savannah, told ABC2.

Over 400 people attended Friday's event Harford County and they were part of over 90,000 worldwide at similar events.  

Over 540 churches also participated.  It takes 175,000 volunteers to make the event a success worldwide.