Spotlight on Sharon: A Heart for Service at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton

At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we are incredibly grateful for volunteers who bring heart, passion, and dedication to every moment. Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Sharon Blackstock, someone whose kindness and commitment light up our Playhouse each week. Sharon is a proud mother of four, grandmother of fourteen, and great-grandmother of one. She…

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Sheena Stropki: Mom, Educator, Volunteer & More!

As this month’s volunteer spotlight, we’re thrilled to highlight Sheena Stropki, a dedicated mom, educator, and cherished member of our GiGi’s Playhouse Canton family! Sheena is the proud mom of Paxton, whose Down syndrome diagnosis first connected their family with GiGi’s when he was just one month old. Today, Sheena is not only an active…

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Volunteer Spotlight: Sherry☀️

Often times, we have engaged families who participate in Playhouse programs that want to give back in a meaningful way. Sherry first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse Canton through her sister, whose friend and daughter were involved with the Playhouse. When Sherry first came to GiGi’s, she was 5 months pregnant with her youngest child and…

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Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Hannah

Hannah has been part of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since our doors first opened, and in that time, she has truly become a jack of all trades! From participating in our GiGi’s Kitchen classes to supporting her love of movement in our GiGiFIT and dance programs, Hannah has done it all – she’s even participated in…

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September Volunteer Spotlight: Ethan Tonni

This month, our Volunteer Spotlight shines on someone whose leadership and heart have reached far beyond the walls of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton; Ethan Tonni. As our Youth Board Marketing Chair and the National GiGi’s Playhouse Youth Board President, Ethan is proof of the powerful impact young leaders can make when passion meets purpose. Ethan is…

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August Volunteer Spotlight: Christina Ziga-Budd & Genny Blair

This month, we’re excited to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on two outstanding leaders who have been part of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since day one, Christina Ziga-Budd and Genny Blair. These two incredible women are not only dedicated board members but are also active leaders behind one of our fun and impactful fundraisers this year; Putts…

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Hearts in the Kitchen: GiGi’s Adults & Kids Cooking Programs Celebrate the Fourth of July by Giving Back

At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, every dish we make is filled with purpose, laughter, and love. This July, our GiGi’s Kitchen Adult & Kids participants poured their hearts into something extra sweet; creating red, white, and blue chocolate-covered pretzels for our Fourth of July-themed volunteer appreciation gifts. The kitchen was buzzing with excitement as our adult…

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July Volunteer Spotlight: Peyton Teter

At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do; and this July, we’re honored to celebrate a truly exceptional young leader, Peyton Teter, as our Volunteer Spotlight. Peyton’s compassion, leadership, and drive have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants and the Playhouse as a whole. A 2025…

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A Day of Joy, Unity, and Inclusion: Dash for Down Syndrome 2025 Recap

While the skies were gray and the air a little chilly, nothing could dampen the spirit of our incredible community at this year’s Dash for Down Syndrome! Families, friends, volunteers, and supporters bundled up, showed up, and proved once again that we are stronger together. From the moment check-in opened, the GiGi’s energy was in…

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Volunteer Spotlight: Sofia

At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we’re grateful to shine a light on one of our incredible volunteers, Sofia, whose compassion and dedication have made a lasting impact on our Playhouse community! Sofia is a Canton native and a proud graduate of McKinley High School’s Class of 2020. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she continued…

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