Christmas in July Gala

‘Tis the season for a magical twist on tradition! Picture this: despite the summer sun blazing outside, inside the Charleston Marriott, the air is filled with the enchanting spirit of the holidays.  

The idea of celebrating Christmas in July isn’t just about bringing winter festivities into the heat of summer—it’s about bringing joy, warmth, and the spirit of giving together in a unique way. This gala wasn’t your typical holiday affair; it was a blend of seasonal charm and summer splendor, where our guests came together to support a meaningful cause while enjoying the best of both worlds.  

The ballroom was adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths of holly, and festive red and green decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that transports us to a winter wonderland despite the summer heat. 

In this festive ambiance, April Knight’s live painting of a tranquil marsh landscape evoked a sense of peace and harmony, reflecting this special evening’s beauty. Her artwork, auctioned off later in the night, serves as a reminder of the generosity and creativity that define our community. 

The Christmas in July Gala at GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston had begun, and the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Standing together amongst a backdrop of slides displaying our members and families, our Board President Marie Myers and Ambassador, Katie Beck looking radiant and sparkly, painted a vivid picture of the impact GiGi’s Playhouse has had on the community, from providing educational programs to fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Their words carried the essence of hope and determination, inspiring everyone in the room to join hands in support of this vital cause. Guests toasted to the spirit of giving and inclusion that defines GiGi’s Playhouse. Each sip of chilled refreshment seemed to carry the essence of both winter cheer and summertime relaxation, creating a delightful blend of flavors and emotions. 

Throughout the evening, we would be treated to inspiring speeches, touching moments, and glimpses into the incredible work being done by GiGi’s Playhouse and its supporters. Kimberly Jenkins shared exciting news of our architectural plans, a long-awaited step towards making our dreams of a permanent playhouse a reality, thanks to the support of CityWide. 

Breana Crenshaw, our Volunteer of the Year, moved us with her heartfelt speech, highlighting her unwavering dedication driven by her daughter Hunter’s inspiration. Her words resonate deeply as she shares her passion for making a difference in our community through her grant writing efforts…just one of the many hats she wears in serving GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston. 

The Rogers family, winners of the #GenerationG in the 843 Award—Kathleen, Ben, and Julia—illuminated the room with their commitment to kindness and inclusion. Ben’s touching gesture of adorning Julia’s Racers for Pacers chair with lights symbolizes their mission to ensure everyone feels seen and valued. Kathleen emphasized the importance of embracing all members of our community, even those who are often forgotten—the parents, who come from many different walks of life.  

If you weren’t already moved to tears by the impassioned stories shared by our guest speakers, Nick Doyle’s heartfelt words were sure to stir your soul. Nick is the national sales director for The Improvaneer Method, Vice President for Stand Up for Downs, member of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, and Coach at Midnight City Crossfit, just to name a few of his titles. As he took the stage, the room fell silent, captivated by his journey of resilience and determination. THE BIG DOG himself, Nick Doyle, invited us on his rollercoaster ride to success. His presence, alongside Rob Snow, ignited our auction and propelled us closer to achieving our goal of establishing a brick-and-mortar playhouse. 

As we celebrated Christmas in July, we were reminded that the spirit of giving and unity knows no season. Thank you all for being part of this extraordinary evening, where together, we illuminate the path towards a brighter future for GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston. 

Artist April Knight –To find more of her art head tohttps://scripturedoodle.com/about

Rob Snow and Nick Doyle of “Unleash The Big Dog” 

Katie Beck, Santa, The Big Dog-Nick Doyle