Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
After 31 years of providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities, Konnie Kanmore has learned that sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that make the largest impacts.
Kanmore is executive director of Absolutely You, a Portales-based organization with branches in Hobbs and Roswell, with a mission of providing “community, support, and assistance residentially and vocationally to individuals with developmental disabilities.”
Kanmore contacted me recently asking if I would give a public thank you to Consigning Women and Men Angel Ministries, a Portales business located on the Courthouse Square.
The reason?
This longtime downtown nonprofit assisted Absolutely You earlier this month by providing dressy outfits to a handful of their clients for one of their most special events of the year: Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine.
For those who may not be familiar, in 2015 a foundation established by former National Football League quarterback Tim Tebow held the first “Night to Shine,” a glittery prom with all the bells and whistles, created for individuals with disabilities ages 14 and up.
A decade later, Kanmore said Night to Shine events are now held all over the world on the Friday before Valentine’s Day.
“It is a formal event with a meal, dance, and limo ride,” Kanmore said. “Each guest walks the red carpet, receives a crown or tiara, and takes pictures as a king or queen. There are activities such as karaoke, photo booths, makeup and hair for the ladies, and a shoe shining booth for the gentlemen.”
Sponsored by churches, the events are offered at no cost to those attending, except when it comes to clothing. An occasion like this calls for special dresses for the gals and fancy suits for the guys … and that is where the Angel Ministries stepped in.
Kanmore’s clients attended a Night to Shine hosted by Cowboy Junction Church of Hobbs and held at the Lea County Fairgrounds in Lovington.
Kanmore said when her direct care staff members learned there were a few clients who either didn’t own formal clothing or couldn’t afford it, they went looking for some second-hand offerings.
After Angel Ministries heard about it, they offered to step in like Cinderella’s fairy godmother and gift dress-up duds to three individuals: Donovan and April, both from Clovis, and Adrian from El Paso.
Donovan said his black suit “made me feel like a businessman,” while April said her red dress made her feel pretty. Adrian said he had fun picking out and trying on the shirt and pants he got to wear to the prom.
“Truly everything about the event is magical for them,” Kanmore said.
“They love getting to dress up. The ladies love getting hair, makeup, and nails done.
Several ladies made appointments at Clovis Community College to have their nails done before the event. It is a catered meal where they are served.
The limo ride is always a hit and watching them smile as they walk the red carpet is a true joy.”
Kanmore said it’s “the smiling faces” that make for her favorite memories each year.
“Any time they get the opportunity to dance, they are in their happy place,” she said. “When someone attends for the first time they are always amazed at the treatment. While repeat guests are a joy to watch as well, there is just something special about experiencing your first Night to Shine.”
Kanmore wants to make sure that supporters like Consigning Women and Men Angel Ministries know the value of their contributions.
“Many individuals would not be able to attend the event if it were not for the support of local businesses to offset costs,” she said. “Local supporters may never understand the impact that a simple gesture provides.”
But Kanmore does, and she wanted to spread the news of the kindness.
Thank you, Angel Ministries, for helping some deserving folks have the chance to feel extra-special on their Night to Shine, or in April’s words, “Thank you for making me feel pretty.”
Betty Williamson tips her hat to Angel Ministries and the great crew at Absolutely You. Reach her at:
