Ryan Hearty: GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Impact Story
What brought you to GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago?
I first got involved with the playhouse when I was living in Canada over 9 years ago. Coming to Chicago on a frequent basis, I found myself helping with events, programs, and even just attending some of the regularly held fundraisers. Once I permanently moved to Chicago my involvement with the playhouse went up, but for years I was just supporting where I could from behind the scenes. In 2021 I took the leap and joined the Board of Directors for GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. Now I can continue to support all the amazing people who make the playh
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un, but from an official capacity.
What is your most memorable moment of impact in 2023?
This year I attended my first National Leadership conference for GiGi’s Playhouse. It was an event I had heard so many amazing things about, and 2023 was no different based on my own experience. Along with our staff and other Board members, we had the honor of representing the Chicago Playhouse. I learned a lot about what other Playhouse’s were doing, their challenges, and how as a national organization we can look to overcome these similar hurdles together. It was so great to finally meet some of the support staff from the National Headquarters, the backbone of the organization who make what we do here in Chicago easier.
What is your vision for 2024?
My vision for 2024 is to see our community grow together and get stronger. We have many challenges to overcome, but I am confident the Chicago community can rally around such an amazing cause. Specifically, I am excited to see our signature events continue to be a fixture of our annual calendar and foundation for annual donations. Brew-Ha-Ha and the Golf Outing are both in their infancy as signature events, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much more money we can raise via these two amazing events. Not to forget our GiGi Fit Acceptance Challenge in the spring or the Dance-a-Thon in the Fall, I think GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago puts on the best events and I see all four of these only getting better in 2024!
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