John Cronin from John’s Crazy Socks Celebrates the Night to Shine Prom in Kershaw, South Carolina
Friday evening, John Cronin donned his finest suit and best dancing shoes so he could join the Night to Shine Prom in Kershaw, South Carolina. John attended as a special guest so he could share inspiration, encouragement and happiness with the attendees. John spoke to the crowd, congratulating them on the wonderful night and he offered these words of advice: “Follow your heart, follow your dreams, work hard, show what you can do!”
Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, this was the fifth Night to Shine Prom held in Kershaw County and took place at the New Life Christian Outreach in Lugoff, South Carolina. The dance was open to anyone with special needs ages 14 and over.
John said, “This was such a wonderful event. You could see how happy it made people.” In addition to speaking to the audience, John spent much of his night greeting the attendees and dancing with as many people as he could. One mother wrote that her daughter “absolutely loved meeting and dancing with John from John's Crazy Socks! She said it was the best night of her life.”
A Glorious Night of Celebration
This year’s Night to Shine in Kershaw County had a Disney theme with many of the volunteers dressed as their favorite Disney characters. Lead organizer Kate Stines made sure that every last detail added to the enjoyment of the evening.
The evening began with a stroll down a red carpet with each attendee announced like a Hollywood star. Volunteers, family and supporters lined the red carpet to cheer on their loved ones. The invitees then entered a ballroom festooned with balloons, lights and Disney-themed decorations. The decorations set the tone for a magical evening.
Participants could dance the night away to the music spun by a DJ or visit one of the side shops set up like a flower shop and gift shop or have their pictures taken in a 360 photo booth. They could dine on a buffet dinner made especially for them. Parents could eat and relax in an adjoining room so their children could enjoy a night of independence. The night ended with a fireworks display as the attendees exited for home.
John Cronin Brought His Message of Hope and Happiness
Kate Stines asked John and his father and partner, Mark X. Cronin, to address the audience. They spoke of how John could not find work when it came time to leave high school but turned that into an opportunity to start a business with his father. The two of them have grown John’s Crazy Socks into the world’s largest sock store. More importantly, more than half of their colleagues have differing abilities and they have raised over $550,000 for their charity partners like the Special Olympics, National Down Syndrome Society and the Autism Society of America.
John received a surprise as volunteers dressed as Snow White and Elsa presented him with a birthday cake and the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to him. John celebrated his 27th birthday the next day. “It was so wonderful,” said John.
The idea to invite John as a surprise guest came from Jeanene Campbell, who had heard the father and son team speak at a conference for Keller Williams. Amanda Holland served as their host during the visit.
Derrick Proctor, Pastor of New Life Christian Outreach, shook John’s hand and thanked him for attending the event and bringing his message of hope. The Pastor said, “It tells me how much people love people, and how they want to be a servant for others.”
Custom Socks for the Night to Shine
John’s Crazy Socks made custom socks the Night to Shine Prom in Kershaw, South Carolina. Every participant received a pair in their goodie bags. John and his host Amanda wore the socks to show them off. The custom socks made the perfect gift that the attendees can wear to remember their special night.
John’s Crazy Socks has made custom socks to delight corporations, non-profits and organizations across the U.S.A.
The Night to Shine
Organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Although each event is a little bit different, some activities included are a red-carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara, and more – Night to Shine is a celebration of God’s love for YOU, our Kings and Queens! Learn more by visiting their website.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
