On Friday, February 7, Tucson Night to Shine celebrates inclusion, joy, and the talents of individuals with developmental disabilities. This month, the event will be at Pantano Christian Church, 1755 S. Houghton Rd.
The worldwide event hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation is designed to honor individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that makes them feel like royalty. From the moment they arrive, they are greeted like VIPs and treated to a prom experience.
This year, the following local restaurants and businesses pitched in to make the annual event extra special:
- Charro Steak & Del Rey: Chef Gary Hickey, who’s also the co-host of the Tucson Knife Fight, generously donated a $100 gift card to Charro Steak & Del Rey
- Thunder Bacon Burger Co: Chef Lindy Reilly, owner of Thunder Bacon Burger, Lindy’s on 4th, and winner of the 2024 Tucson Knife Fight has donated four $25 gift cards to Thunder Bacon Burger
- The Gaslight Theatre: Tony Terry, owner of The Gaslight Theater, donated two tables, each including two adult show tickets and $25 in food
- Vero Amore: Josh and Aric Mussman, owners of Very Amore, donated four $25 gift cards to either of their two locations
- Indian Twist: Owner and Chef Jimmy Aujla donated four $25 gift cards to any of his four locations in Tucson
- Hammbone’s Meat & 3: Owner and Chef CJ Hamm donated eight $25 gift cards to his new comfort food restaurant, Hammbone’s
- Pure Poke & Prep: Owner Benjamin Rice has donated two $25 gift cards to either of the two locations
- Divine Bovine Burgers: Owner Benjamin Rice donated two $25 gift cards
- Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails: Owner and Chef Ken Foy, who’s also a two-time Tucson Iron Chef, donated three $25 gift cards to Dante’s
- Union Public House: Grant Krueger, owner of Union Public House, Reforma, and Proof, donated four $25 gift cards to Union Public House
- Tucson Private Chef: Doug Marcoux, owner of Tucson Private Chef, is offering a private chef dinner for four people. He is also the “Cowbell Guy” for the Tucson Roadrunners
Also, the Tucson Roadrunners have donated 1,000 hockey tickets — two tickets for any game will be in each gift bag for guests.
On Sunday, April 6, it’s Autism Acceptance Night: lower volume throughout the stadium, and there will not be any cowbells allowed. Also, the Roadrunners will have a sensory room for fans who want to enjoy the game in a quiet environment. Still, it’s likely not going to be a quiet game, but still not as noisy as usual.
Psst… Dusty, the Roadrunners’ mascot, will be in attendance, too.
Tucson’s Night to Shine provides not only a fun night out but also an opportunity to promote inclusion and raise awareness.
The event will be at Pantano Christian Church, 1755 S. Houghton Rd. For more information, visit timtebowfoundation.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
