Red carpet rolled out for Norwalk's Night to Shine

NORWALK — Honored guests arrived in style, sashaying down a red carpet Friday night as Night to Shine returned to Norwalk First United Methodist Church. The prom-style event celebrating neighbors with special needs brought about 200 teens and adults to the West Main Street church for an evening that included dinner, music and dancing. Volunteers lined the entrance as families gathered, and cameras flashed as each attendee walked a red carpet to applause and cheers from not only the audience but also a group of Norwalk and St. Paul high school students waving pom-poms and signs. Inside, attendees moved through hair, makeup and nail stations before heading into the sanctuary. Corsages and boutonnieres were distributed, and each guest was paired with a volunteer buddy for the night. "This was so magical for me," said Autumn, a 19-year-old attendee. "The hair and makeup makes me feel like a princess." Dinner was served in the basement before the dance floor filled. Several photo areas provided formal portraits, informal snaps and short videos with framed copies sent home with attendees at the end of the evening. A separate respite room was available in the sanctuary for parents and caregivers, while a sensory-friendly space away from the dance floor offered a quieter setting away from the music. The Norwalk celebration was part of Night to Shine, a worldwide event held annually at churches across the country and sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation