Volunteer Spotlight: Charlie Dear – A Champion for GiGi’s Playhouse Canton 

In this month’s Volunteer Spotlight, we’re excited to celebrate Charlie Dear, a dedicated board and committee member who has been an invaluable part of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since 2020. Charlie’s passion for making a difference and his enthusiasm for the Playhouse’s mission have helped create a welcoming space for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

Meet Charlie 

Charlie is a proud graduate of Jackson High School and the University of Mount Union. He’s been married to his wife, Brittany, for just over a year, and together they’re excitedly preparing for the arrival of their first child in April. Alongside their growing family, they share their home with a 4-year-old German Shepherd, who no doubt keeps them active and entertained. 

Professionally, Charlie is a financial advisor with Equitable, where he helps clients achieve their retirement goals. His dedication to guiding people through important financial milestones reflects his genuine care for others, a quality that he brings with him to GiGi’s Playhouse. 

Charlie’s Favorite Things 

Outside of his work at the Playhouse, Charlie enjoys a wide variety of activities. As a former college athlete, he’s a huge fan of College and NFL football, always tuning in to catch the latest games. In addition to football, Charlie enjoys watching UFC in his free time—a perfect way to stay connected to his competitive side. 

A lover of the outdoors, Charlie can often be found golfing with friends. When it comes to food, he’s recently developed a fondness for Birria Tacos, a tasty dish that’s likely to become a new favorite. 

Discovering GiGi’s Playhouse 

Charlie’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse began through his connection with Christina Ziga-Budd – our original founding member of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. As he learned more about the organization and got to know the team at GiGi’s Canton, he was inspired to get involved. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Playhouse quickly drew him in, and he knew he wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. 

Making an Impact 

Since joining the board in 2020, Charlie has been an integral part of the Finance Committee, where his expertise has helped guide the Playhouse’s financial planning and sustainability. From sharing his financial insight to actively participating in events, Charlie dedicates his time to making a difference in the lives of those served by GiGi’s Playhouse, and his efforts are deeply appreciated by both the board and the community. 

Favorite GiGi’s Playhouse Experience 

One of Charlie’s most memorable moments at GiGi’s Playhouse was dancing to the Cleveland Keys with Malik and Nick at the annual A Night for GiGi’s event. The joy and energy from that experience were infectious, and it’s moments like these that highlight the unique spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse—a place where laughter, love, and fun are always part of the equation. 

Thank You, Charlie! 

As we celebrate Charlie Dear, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service. While his time on the board may be concluding, we’re thrilled to know that his passion and support for GiGi’s Playhouse will continue.

Thank you, Charlie, for your unwavering commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse and for being an incredible advocate for the Down syndrome community! Here’s to the next chapter of your journey! 🥂

Want to become our next board member? Send us an email to canton@gigisplayhouse.org to learn more!