The Science Spectrum rolled out the red carpet Friday night as they hosted A Night to Shine, a special needs prom sponsored by The Springs Fellowship Church and The Tim Tebow Foundation.

A few weeks before the dance, Sarah Fuentes made a post on Trading Up, a Facebook page for buying and selling in Lubbock. Fuentes was looking for someone to sell her an inexpensive ball gown. She attached a photo of her 16-year-old daughter, Mariah, to the post. 

Within just a few days it had several hundred likes and posts. People were posting photos of dresses Fuentes could buy or even have for free.

“Then it turned in to something major,” Fuentes said. “We had probably over 200 messages in my inbox; people offering her brand new dresses, used dresses. It was overwhelming.”
 
 “He is a complete stranger, he does not know us or anything but he said Mykaela’s picture just immediately captivated him and he wanted to give us money to take her shopping,” Marisa Currasco recalled. She is a friend of Fuentes and she also made a post on Trading Up on behalf of her daughter Mykaela.  

Elisa Gutierrez did not have a dress to give, so she offered her services instead. She painted the nails of Mariah, Mykaela and Michalea for free at her salon Reussi. 

“For me,” Gutierrez said. “It’s not what I can get with my business, it is what I can give.” 

Shannon Torrez, a family friend of Fuentes, came over early before the dance and did Mariah’s hair and make-up. Right after, another friend, Elsie, brought over some jewelry for the teen to wear. 

When the girls arrived at The Science Spectrum they were treated with a limousine ride and a walk down the red carpet. 

“It was very emotional,” Fuentes said. “I was trying to hold back tears.”

“She was very excited,” Currasco said about Mykaela.  “She loves being the center of attention. So when she heard everyone was cheering just for her, she was over the moon.”  
 
It was an extra special day for Mykaela who was also celebrating her 11th birthday. 
 
All three girls spent their night taking pictures, dancing, singing and meeting new friends. It’s an opportunity not always available to kids, and even adults with special needs, but they all took advantage of the special night. 
 
“I just wanted to say thank you to everybodywho has helped make her day special,” Fuentes said.