Volunteer Spotlight – Tim & Kathy!

This month, we are thrilled to recognize Tim and Kathy as our Volunteers of the Month! This dynamic duo volunteers with our Fantastic Friends program, which they have helped grow into one of our most popular programs. Inspired by their granddaughter Oakley, Tim & Kathy’s dedication to our participants is evident every time they enter the Playhouse and far beyond. Read on to learn more about their commitment to our Playhouse and the inspiration behind their involvement!

Tell us about you!

Kathy retired as a district manager at Kroger in 2016, Tim retired as a senior account executive at SAP in 2019. We have raised two wonderful children and we have been blessed with five and soon to be six grandchildren. We also enjoy spending time with our friends and relatives. We both enjoy traveling around the globe, experiencing new and different cultures. Kathy enjoys bowling and Tim enjoys golf.

What got you involved at GiGi’s Playhouse?

We first learned about GiGi’s when we visited the Cleveland GiGi’s with our 5 year old granddaughter, Oakley. We were so impressed with the programs and when we heard GiGi’s was coming to Cincinnati we were thrilled and knew we wanted to play a part in some way!

What programs have you volunteered with?

We have volunteered primarily with Fantastic Friends and enjoy being program leads together. We have participated in other GiGi’s events and are so impressed with the other volunteers and everyone we have met associated with GiGi’s.

Why did you start volunteering?

We started volunteering to learn more about the Down syndrome community and as a way to give back. Having been blessed with a granddaughter born with Down syndrome, we felt that this was a connection for us. It has been a wonderful experience and we enjoy GiGi’s as part of our retirement life. GiGi’s has provided a way for us to be advocates to our granddaughter as well as others born with Down syndrome.

Why do you enjoy volunteering?

We both enjoy volunteering as it’s a great way to give back. GiGi’s was added to our list a little over a year ago. We have met so many wonderful people who have made a difference in our lives. Volunteering is definitely a two-way street as we benefit as much as the cause in which we choose to help.

Why do you love GiGi’s Playhouse?

It is a great group of individuals who are very focused on providing purposeful programs for all ages and abilities at NO cost. The people we work with are appreciative of everything you’re able to provide. The minute you walk in the door, you feel very welcomed and that you can truly make a difference.

What impact has GiGi’s Playhouse had on you? What have you learned?

As grandparents of a child born with Down syndrome we really did not know much about it. Having the experience at GiGi’s has provided us much information and real life experience with families that also experience this genetic disorder in someway.

Do you have a favorite memory at the Playhouse? If so, what is it?

One of our favorite experiences has been getting to know the adult participants (Fantastic Friends) that have become like family to us. We look forward to their smiling faces each time we see them, and they have touched our lives in many ways. Additionally, it was a great experience to meet the founder of GiGi’s along with her daughter. I am always amazed at the will and strength of someone who truly wants to make a difference and she and her daughter definitely have. Raising the awareness and acceptance of down syndrome is something that GiGi’s does every day. They are such a positive impact on the down syndrome community and we feel privileged and lucky to be a part of such a wonderful group.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new volunteer?

Don’t be afraid if you feel like you do not know much about this genetic disorder. It is a lot like raising children, you learn as you go. GiGi’s also provides numerous resources, and the parents and director associated with GiGi’s are very skilled and helpful and have really boosted our confidence since we began this volunteer endeavor.

As a volunteer, what is the one thing you’d say to a new family who is curious about GiGi’s Playhouse?

Don’t hesitate to check it out! There are so many programs that are offered to families from prenatal to adults, and it is 99% run by volunteers. There are so many ways to help, both big and small! So variety can fit in to almost any lifestyle whether you are retired like us or still working or raising a family. Even if you think you don’t have the skill set, you will find out that you absolutely do!

What makes GiGi’s so special to you?

Volunteering at GiGi’s gives you the chance to contribute in many different ways to the kind of community and world you want to live in. It gives you the opportunity to be a part of a community where you can use your own skills and knowledge to assist in the empowerment of others. Volunteering with others at GiGi’s is fun and rewarding! Even if you can’t actually see the change you are affecting, you know it’s there. If you find an opportunity at GiGi’s that you’re passionate about & can enjoy with lots of like-minded people, then you’ll be enjoying yourself while reaping the many other benefits of volunteering and becoming friends with some pretty spectacular people!

Tim & Kathy, thank you for your commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati and the Down syndrome community! We are so grateful for your presence, enthusiasm, and dedication to our participants and their families. It is no surprise that, with the two of you at the helm, Fantastic Friends has grown into the incredible program it is today. We feel lucky to know you, and even luckier to call you friends!