{"id":142080,"date":"2025-07-11T11:31:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T15:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/?p=142080"},"modified":"2025-07-11T11:31:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T15:31:36","slug":"our-volunteers-help-us-bloom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/2025\/07\/11\/our-volunteers-help-us-bloom\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Volunteers Help Us Bloom!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We recently had the joy of hosting our Volunteer Appreciation Brunch<\/strong>\u2014a heartfelt morning dedicated to the people who make GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Cincinnati so special: our volunteers. From our youngest helpers to longtime leaders, each volunteer plays a vital role in making our Playhouse a place of growth, achievement, and belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s event was filled with both gratitude and joy as we came together to honor the heart of our Playhouse\u2014our volunteers. As a community that is 98% volunteer-run, every program, every milestone, and every smile is made possible because of the time, energy, and passion our volunteers give so generously. Saturday\u2019s event featured a delicious spread of breakfast favorites, lighthearted games and raffles, a meaningful awards ceremony, and a beautiful Bloom Bar where guests of honor created their own flower arrangements. It was a small gesture to reflect the tremendous impact they have in helping our community grow and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Volunteer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the brunch, we invited our volunteers to share what inspires them to give their time to GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Cincinnati. Their words are a beautiful reminder of the connection, joy, and purpose found within our walls. Here\u2019s what they had to say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI love volunteering at GiGi\u2019s because I seem to always get back more than I ever provide. Working with the adults participants is so special because you feel as though you\u2019ve made new friends\u2014because you have! It\u2019s such a wonderful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy favorite part of volunteering at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse is seeing all the smiles and hearing all the laughter. It makes my heart so happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love volunteering at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Cincinnati because it teaches the public that people with Down syndrome are so capable and amazing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love volunteering at GiGi\u2019s because I get to help, teach, and play with the amazing kids! My favorite part is seeing growth month over month or week over week in the participants at Destination Discovery, Teen Tastic, and Literacy Tutoring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe had three adult siblings with Down syndrome come to our second ever Fantastic Friends event, and what sticks in my mind is when they paused before coming across the threshold, then came in and were amazed with the Playhouse. They are now regular attendees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love the people; from staff to volunteers and kids that attend. They create and foster a vibrant community that is just amazing to be a small part of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVolunteering at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse means the world to me. Not only am I contributing to a safe and fun home for my daughters, but I am able to have conversations with others about Down syndrome who share my love and heart for this community. It is a blessing to serve such an honorable mission alongside loving and caring people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing at GiGi\u2019s fills my cup full of joy, purpose and meaning. I am able to keep a beautiful connection to my brother, and it feels less like he is gone when I am here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love the volunteers that help me each week\u2014keeping it fun and purposeful. My favorite memories are seeing kids change and explore new activities that were once hard for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI absolutely love the families I\u2019ve met here that I would never have met otherwise. The hearts of all our volunteers are truly a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love that every volunteer here recognizes the worthiness of our participants and treats them with the love and respect they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat I love about volunteering at GiGi\u2019s\u2019 Playhouse is interacting with new people in my community. I also enjoy how accessible volunteering is. There are so many ways to get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy favorite thing about GiGi\u2019s is the awesome people I have met. I love seeing the progress of the children since I have been coming. I also love to see all of the little ones who enjoy all of the activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy brother-in-law lived 48 years without this kind of community. I love the blessing that GiGi\u2019s gives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love volunteering at GiGi\u2019s because running LMNOP is an hour of carefree fun where you get to witness so many \u201cbest of all\u201d moments! Getting to shape little minds is so rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love being part of an organization that makes an impact on my children\u2019s lives and so many others. It brings me joy to see my son\u2019s face light up every time we come here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been here for a year, and I love to see the growth of all the kids\u2019 maturity. Just getting used to us volunteers for hugs and support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love volunteering at GiGi\u2019s because getting to work with the kids during Kids Club is such a treat! They are so bright and funny, and I love seeing them enjoy themselves with the activities we prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Volunteer Awards!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We couldn\u2019t let the day go by without celebrating a few standout volunteers whose energy, creativity, and commitment help keep our Playhouse running strong. Here are this year\u2019s award recipients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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