Celebrating Our 2024 Brew HaHa Award Winners!

GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is bursting with pride! At this year’s Brew HaHa Fundraising Event, we had the absolute joy of recognizing three incredible individuals (and one amazing family!) whose passion, dedication, and love for our community make the Playhouse a brighter, more magical place every day. Meet our 2024 honorees!

Rising Leader Award – Ian Bates

This year’s Rising Leader Award went to none other than Ian—one of our shining stars! Ian has had a tremendous year of personal growth, showing determination, maturity, and positivity through every opportunity he’s embraced.

From excelling in his internships and tutoring sessions to actively participating in group programs and making an impact on the Clean Team, Ian continues to impress and inspire us all. His dedication and drive are what make him a true leader at the Playhouse. You rock, Ian! Keep reaching for the stars!

Rise the Baar Volunteer of the Year – Beau Bates

Turns out, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! While Ian was busy winning his award, his dad Beau took home the Rise the Baar Volunteer of the Year Award! (Yes, the Bates family basically swept Brew HaHa, and we’re here for it.)

Beau has been a behind-the-scenes superhero at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for years. As our current Vice President and the fearless leader of our Clean Team, Beau’s commitment to our mission is unwavering. Whether it’s strategizing at board meetings or scrubbing floors with a smile, Beau does it all—and he does it with heart. Thank you, Beau, for setting the “Baar” high and lifting us all up!

Community Partner of the Year – Hugo’s Elvis

Cue the spotlight and the blue suede shoes! This year’s Community Partner of the Year Award goes to the one and only Hugo’s Elvis! Hugo has brought unforgettable energy, warmth, and entertainment to countless GiGi’s events—be it World Down Syndrome Day, our Anniversary Celebrations, Dance-A-Thons, or Snow Balls.

As an award-winning Elvis impersonator, Hugo’s got the moves, the voice, and most importantly, the heart. Our participants light up when he walks through the door, and his presence has become a beloved tradition in our Playhouse community. Thank you, Hugo, for always bringing the magic and making everyone feel like a superstar. You truly are the King of our hearts!

Each of these award winners represents the spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago—passion, perseverance, and the power of unconditional love and inclusion. We are so lucky to have Ian, Beau, and Hugo’s Elvis as part of our GiGi’s family.

Here’s to another year of celebrating growth, leadership, community—and a whole lot of fun!