Question:  What is the suggested attire for Night to Shine?

Answer:   Wear whatever you like.   The beautiful thing about Night to Shine is that we all “fit in.”  There will be people there in tuxedos and formal gowns, others in jeans and t-shirts.

All should wear comfortable shoes for dancing the night away.

Question:  Do I need to purchase or provide a corsage or boutonniere?

Answer:  No!   They will be provided one as part of the registration process.
Please see our pictures from previous years.

Question:  I am nervous about leaving my son or daughter; can I volunteer so I can be close?

Answer:   We are also hosting an onsite dinner experience just for you!
Please let us treat you to dinner as you relax and enjoy the evening while being close enough that we can easily find you should we need  you.  You will see the option in the King or Queen registration form.

Question:  What if I need to pick up my loved one early?

Answer:    All guests are encouraged to stay the entire duration of prom. If your guest requests to leave early, they must report to the medical staff and a member of the medical staff will contact you.

Question:     Can I request a certain buddy?
Answer:        Yes, but we can’t promise to honor the request.  Please indicate your preference in the comments section of the relation from and mention upon arrival when you check-in.

Question:    Will every guest have a buddy?
Answer:       Yes, our buddies are excited to help navigate through the different activities and to make this evening unforgettable for your guest.

Question:    Can my loved one’s caregiver serve as his/her buddy for the evening?
Answer:      Yes! We simply ask that you indicate your request in your guest registration and ask your caregiver to register as a volunteer Buddy.

Question:     Is there a person I can contact before or during the event?
Answer:       Yes. Please email nts@westark.org and one of the Night To Shine team members will respond to you.

Question:    What is the attire for parents/caregivers attending the parent dinner?
Answer:      Like the Kings and Queens, wearing what you want to wear is strongly encouraged.

Question:     What does the salon and barbershop experience entail?
Answer:       Guests should arrive dressed and ready for prom. Our stylists will help with finishing touches to hair, makeup, and ties.

Question:    How does the evening end?
Answer:       Parents and caregivers are invited to join the guests beginning at 8:45 in the auditorium / sanctuary for a message from our sponsor and a gift bag to go.

Question:      Do I have to stay onsite during the event?
Answer:        No, if you would prefer to enjoy dinner out, please feel free!  Please keep your phone handy so we can reach you if needed.

Question:    Will there be medical staff onsite?
Answer:      Absolutely! We will have nurses and EMT professionals onsite for the entire prom.

Question:     What if my guest needs toileting assistance?
Answer:       Buddies are NOT expected to help with restroom breaks.  Caregivers or medical personnel will need to be available to assist.

Question:    My guest has a food allergy, will you provide allergy-free foods?
Answer:       Yes! We will Have Gluten and Dairy free options available as needed per requests on the King/Queen registration forms.

Question:     If my guest gets over-stimulated, is there a place he/she can retreat?
Answer:       Yes, a sensory room will be available for guests that need a sensory break.

Question:    Can I bring a guest to the parent/caregiver dinner?
Answer:      Yes, one spouse or friend is welcome to come! This event is for adults only.  We will NOT have enough food and refreshments for more than two caregivers to join us.  We appreciated your understanding and respecting these limits. 

Question:   What time should I arrive?

Answer:     We ask that all volunteers arrive between 4:30PM and 5:30PM on February 9

Question:     What should I wear to volunteer for Night to Shine?

Answer:

• Buddies – Dressy attire (anything from “Sunday best” to tux/formal wear). We only ask that all Buddies dress up, dress modestly and wear Comfy shoes to dance the night away!
• Kitchen Staff – Black pants, white shirt, comfy shoes.

• All other volunteers – Night to Shine t-shirt with jeans or other pants or black pants, white shirt, comfy shoes.

Question:     Do I need to have a background check?

Answer:       Yes, if you have not had one in the past three years AND you are 18 years of age or over.  

Question:    Do I need to attend training?
Answer:      Yes, volunteer training is mandatory for all our volunteers.

Question:     If my teens are volunteering, do they need to attend the training sessions?

Answer:        Yes. We want all our volunteers to be well prepared for the evening in order to make it a very special night for our guests.

Question:    I’ve volunteered for Night to Shine in previous years, Do I still need to come to training?

Answer:       Yes.  We always have some changes each year to share with you, so we ask that you come each year, so that you can be fully prepared. 

Question:     When will volunteer training be held?

Answer:

• Thursday, January 25 at 6pm and
  Saturday, January 27 at 2pm both in the WestArk auditorium.

• You only need to attend one of the training sessions.

Question:     When do I find out about my role?

Answer:       Your team leader will contact you with more information.

Question:     Am I required to stay the entire evening?

Answer:     Yes. Please make plans to stay the entire evening.  If your role only requires part of the evening, please join in the fun somewhere else to help or participate!