My name is Billy Simkins, owner of Bakersfield Tuff. One of the most amazing things we cover in Bakersfield is the Night To Shine prom event for kids with special needs. We are one of the lucky towns to have it, not all do. It's a mega event that gives kids with special needs a prom of their own. It draws thousands of people.

Last year, I was shocked to hear there was a real possibility that it wouldn't be here. Because it's held at a church, many large donors wouldn't support it. They even struggled to get other churches involved. We want to make sure Bakersfield has a Night to Shine. Our Bakersfield Business Leadership group is getting involved and we are going to offer the people at BTUFF the chance to keep these memories alive for special needs kids around Bakersfield.

Together, we can all make a big difference, not only in our community, but to these kids with special needs, who will carry these memories with them for a lifetime.