Night to Shine celebration this Friday

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Taber’s Night to Shine 2026 will take place on February 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Parallel Church in Taber.

“Night to Shine is a prom-style event that celebrates individuals with special needs that is intended to show them they are valued, loved, and an important part of our community,” said Alex Hladun, Partnership and Philanthropy Lead and Healthy Heroes Director for MyCityCare Taber. 

Hladun explained that the theme of Night to Shine has always been a way to celebrate individuals for the kings and queens that they are, and to celebrate the unique gifts, abilities and value that they bring to the community. Individuals with special needs, Hladun said, are invited to attend and enjoy the event as special guests.

“Night to Shine is part of a larger, worldwide movement celebrating people with special needs, and we brought it to Taber to offer that same experience locally,” said Hladun. 

Hladun said since Taber’s first Night to Shine event in 2020, participation from guests, volunteers, and local organizations who want to champion inclusion and dignity for people of all abilities here in Taber and the M.D. of Taber has increased steadily and continues to do so this year. The event, Hladun says, is an event created by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by MyCityCare in various locations across the world and the community response has been ‘overwhelmingly positive.’

“Guests and their families often tell us how meaningful it is to have a night focused entirely on celebrating them, and volunteers frequently describe it as one of the most rewarding things they’ve been part of,” said Hladun.

This year’s event, Hladun said, includes a red-carpet entrance, professional photos, dinner, music, dancing, and special moments such as a crowning ceremony where each guest is recognized as a king or queen of the prom. 

Hladun stated that people can get involved with Night to Shine 2026 by registering as a guest, signing up to volunteer, or partnering with MyCityCare Taber through sponsorships or in-kind donations, and those interested in participating can contact MyCityCare Taber at 403-382-9891 or visit mycitycare.ca for registration while volunteer sign-up details can be found at https://www.instagram.com/mycitycaretaber or https://www.facebook.com/mycitycaretaber. 

“For My City Care, Night to Shine is a beautiful expression of our heart for dignity, value, and belonging,” said Hladun. “We see it as more than just a one-night event; it’s an opportunity to build relationships, break down barriers, and communicate to every guest and their family that they matter deeply to this community. We believe people with special needs are vital to the life of our community and bring unique strengths, perspectives, and gifts. Their contributions—whether through work, volunteering, relationships, or community involvement—make Taber and the M.D. of Taber richer, more compassionate, and more complete. Our desire is to see a community where people of all abilities are fully included, valued, and supported. A large portion of the MyCityCare volunteer base come directly from Taber Special Needs and we couldn’t be more excited to continue the amazing relationship with this organization.”

MyCityCare Taber, Hladun said, has close ties to Taber Special Needs and that connection allows for the creation of events directly focused on individuals with special needs and the building of a long-lasting partnership in which people of all abilities can serve the community. MyCityCare Taber, Hladun said, encourages families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities to reach out so they can get connected into a network that will truly celebrate them. 

“Our hope as a team at MyCityCare is that all members of our community feel valuable and have the ability to make a real long-lasting impact in loving the community they are a part of,” said Hladun.