Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Candy

Candy H. showed up on day one ready to pour her whole heart into GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. Her connection to Down syndrome runs deep—her brother, Todd, shaped her understanding of the joy, pride, and fullness that come with loving someone with Down syndrome. That lived experience became a lifeline for a young family friend of hers whose received a prenatal diagnosis just over two years ago. Candy’s steady voice and beautiful perspective helped them see that Down syndrome wasn’t something to fear, but something to celebrate. That moment is what led her to our Playhouse, and two years later she has become one of our most dedicated Key Volunteers. From leading Kids Club to co-chairing our Gala (and even dreaming up the Dessert Dash that raised more than $14,000!) Candy brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she touches. Read more below to hear in Candy’s own words what her experience at GiGi’s had been like…

How did you hear about GiGi’s?

I first heard about Gigi’s when my friend Anna, knowing I have a big heart for the DS community, invited me to donate items for the first Cincinnati gala in March of 2024.

How long have you been involved? I have been involved since

June 2024.

What programs have you volunteered with?

 Kid’s Club, the Gala, and really anything I can wiggle myself into!

Why did you start volunteering?

When Anna shared the invitation to donate, I jumped on it, drove over to the playhouse, met Kaitlyn and said “Sooo what is GiGi’s Playhouse?” She told me about the support, free programming and community to be built with involvement at GiGi’s, and I was sold! You see I have a brother with Down Syndrome, and he passed away in 2021. I told Kaitlyn I wanted to be involved completely selfishly, as a way for me to be with a community group that reminds me so happily of him.

Why do you love GiGi’s Playhouse?  

There isn’t much I don’t love about GiGi’s. I have seen the playhouse serve as family gathering place, a learning space, an event space, playdate destination and learning space.

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

My favorite memory would probably be my first time leading Kid’s Club, I was so nervous and worried about doing a good job. Of course my participants were so fun, forgiving of my ignorance and so eager to try anything!

What is something you’ve learned by volunteering at GiGi’s?

I do not need to be or get things perfect to matter.

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

Walking into Gigi’s quickly comes to feel like coming home. It’s a place where everyone can be themselves and your whole family belongs. Gigi’s is designed to provide resources for those with DS and that means support for the whole family, parents and siblings alike.

Our dear friend Candy truly lives a life of service, always asking how she can do more, which is exactly why we surprised her with this year’s “Where’s the Off Button?” Award at our Volunteer Appreciation Brunch (which she organized!!) We were honored to present a special space in our Playhouse dedicated to her brother—Todd’s Clock. Before his passing, Todd had an affinity for clocks and watches. We’ve been told he had quite the watch collection, and it felt fitting to say thank you to Candy with this dedicated clock that can be taken off the wall and used to help participants learn to tell time.

Candy, words can’t express how grateful we are to have made you and your family a part of our GiGi’s Playhouse community. Thank you for being you, from the bottom of our hearts.