2024: A Year of Best of All Moments at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland

At GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, every day is an opportunity for growth, celebration, and joy. In 2024, we witnessed countless moments of “Best of All” — achievements that reflect dedication, perseverance, and the magic of purposeful progressions. Best of All isn’t about being the best; it’s about doing your best, pushing yourself a little further, and celebrating every milestone, big or small. As 2024 comes to an end, we invited all our volunteers to share a Best of All moment they witnessed. Each moment shared shines a light on every single participant and every moment of growth experienced!

What is Best of All?

Best of All is continual, measurable, and celebrated. It never ends. Whether it’s standing for one second longer, reading one more word, taking an extra step, or trying something new, Best of All is about personal progress. It’s not a competition, and it’s always met with celebration.

Celebrating Best of All Moments

This year, we’ve been inspired by so many individuals whose moments of growth have enriched our Playhouse community. Here are just a few of the many highlights:

• David brought storytime to life in Book Club by using different voices for each character, making every reading session unforgettable.
• Clementine embraced speech therapy with not just one, but two therapists, unlocking new ways to communicate.
• Sarah joined our Board of Managers!
• At Brews and Beats, Jonathan amazed us with his passionate drumming, losing himself in the rhythm and energy of the performance.
• Nick created a beautiful moment of connection by reaching out for a shared bow after the Brews and Beats performance, celebrating teamwork and accomplishment.
• In Project Pulse, Kaylee consistently sought out eye contact and shared fist bumps with peers, forging connections through music.
• Abby has been such a big help and a peer leader in Project Pulse. She now initiates helping out on her own!
• Amy transformed from a shy Book Club participant to a confident reader who pauses mid-sentence to ensure her audience is listening attentively.
• Brennan made strides in ball rotations during an exercise session, needing only a little guidance instead of full hand-over-hand support.
• Ana overcame her fears by singing at the Volunteer Appreciation Night, which led to sharing her gratitude in a room full of volunteers.
• Nolan participated fully in GiGiFIT and joined the closing cheer for the first time, a milestone we were thrilled to celebrate.
• 2024 also highlighted the resilience of teens transitioning into adult programs. Though change can feel daunting, participants like Audrey, Ryan, and Emily continued to show up, demonstrating courage and finding their place within our adult community.

Milestones Across Programs

From fitness to drama to everyday interactions, growth happens everywhere:

• In Drama Troupe, Xavier bravely stepped up, performing with enthusiasm and joy.
• During Thanksgiving Fantastic Friends, Lee went above and beyond to engage peers and express gratitude.
• Finn navigated a new vocabulary setting on his communication device, opening doors to more robust interactions.
• Abby blossomed as a leader in Project Pulse, offering support and encouragement to her peers.
• The entire Wednesday night GiGiFIT Adult group brought unwavering energy and determination week after week, inspiring everyone around them.
• Mick delivered a heartfelt declaration during Teen Tastic Friendsgiving, showcasing confidence and emotional articulation.
• Tracy demonstrated her commitment to health by improving her fitness metrics and encouraging her group with her infectious positivity.
• Lili rocked her first session of GiGiFIT Adult. She has grown so much during this session. She would always volunteer to go first and was never afraid of trying a new exercise!!
• Makenna increased her reading skills immensely! Able to read many new site words and sentences! Great growth!!

Small Steps, Big Wins

Sometimes the smallest moments hold the greatest meaning:

• Caden read our long mission statement on the Playhouse wall, persevering through challenging words and leaving everyone in awe.
• Vivi pushed through fatigue to join games and activities, consistently cleaning up and inviting friends to play without prompts.
• Tony danced a lot during Project Pulse
• Jasiah drank from an open cup, unassisted for the first time, leaving his mom in awe of this newfound skill!
• Jonathan achieved his first full plank during GiGiFIT, a testament to his hard work and determination.
• Eddie, using a walker, refused to let anything hold him back from participating fully in GiGiFIT.
• James showed exceptional kindness by including a friend in a group activity, encouraging engagement and connection.
• Johnny continued to work towards his goal of singing at the Guardians’ game by performing at the Akron Rubber Ducks and Crushers games!
• Lucy took some of her FIRST STEPS inside the Playhouse after a Saturday program.

Looking Ahead

As the year comes to a close, we celebrate every Best of All moment that happened within our Playhouse walls. These achievements remind us that growth is a journey, and every step forward deserves recognition. Whether it’s learning a new skill, making a friend, or trying something new, each moment is a testament to the incredible individuals who make up our GiGi’s family.

Here’s to 2024 and the many moments that made it extraordinary. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store! Together, let’s continue to celebrate Best of All, every single day.