​In-Person or Virtual?

If you plan to attend the in-person event, please read this entire document before registering.

If you would like to participate in the virtual event, please complete the form here: 2027 NTS Gator Nation Virtual Event. If you plan to participate in virtual, you must register by January 15, 2027, so we have time to deliver a gift bag to you before the virtual celebration. Your gift bag will include everything you need to participate. The Night to Shine Worldwide Virtual Celebration will premiere on Friday, February 12th.

 

2027 In-Person Event Location

Night to Shine Gator Nation will be held at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, located at:

250 Gale Lemerand Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611

 

Moving to the O’Connell Center gives us much more room for our guests, but it also means there will be some significant changes to the event. Please read all of the information below carefully.

 

For more information about the venue, visit The O’Connell Center.

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Who Should Complete This Form?

Please complete this registration form only if you are:

• A King or Queen planning to attend the in-person event. This is not the form for buddies or caregivers.

• A person with special needs who is 14 years of age or older.

• Not part of a group home. Group home guests should use the shorter registration form here: 2027 NTS Gator Nation Group Home Guest.

 

Family Members, Parents and Caregivers

If you are a family member of a King or Queen and would like to attend Night to Shine with your loved one, you must register as a Buddy.

 

Because of the security requirements at the O’Connell Center, parents, caregivers, family members and group home staff will not be allowed into the event unless they are registered as a Buddy or have registered for the Caregiver Retreat.

 

Everyone entering the O’Connell Center will go through security and must have the proper credentials. Only registered guests and registered volunteers will be permitted into the prom.

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Caregivers and group home staff have three options:

• Drop off your guest: Drop off your guest at 6:00 p.m. and return at 9:00 p.m. to pick them up.

• Attend the Caregiver Retreat: Pre-register to spend the evening at our Caregiver Retreat, which will be held in the Practice Court at the O’Connell Center. Caregivers must enter through Gate 3. The retreat will take place during the same time as the prom. After you register your guest, we will send you an invitation to the Caregiver Retreat.

• Serve as a Buddy: Parents, caregivers, siblings and group home employees may register through our regular volunteer registration and serve as a Buddy for a guest.

 

Your Buddy

Every Night to Shine guest is paired with a Buddy for the evening. Your Buddy will provide companionship, encouragement and assistance throughout the event.

 

If you have a Buddy from a previous Night to Shine, we will do our best to match you with that person again. The registration form will give you a place to list your previous Buddy's name. If possible, we also encourage you to reach out to your Buddy and let them know you would like them to serve again.

 

Your previous Buddy must register as a volunteer for our 2027 event by January 15th. If they do not register by this deadline, we will assign you a new Buddy. We also do our best to match each guest with a Buddy of the same sex.