Posts by Mary Makulinski
Volunteer of the Month – Sierra
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, we have a spectacular team of volunteers who lead our GiGiFIT programs. Volunteers who commit to three programs, back-to-back-to-back. They don’t commit to an evening at GiGi’s because they have to, they do it because they WANT to. Sierra is one of those volunteers. She started out as an intern to…
Read MoreFamily Stories – Annie
If you’ve ever been to our Playhouse you’ve more than likely met Annie. If you attended our 2022 Brew Ha Ha, you more than likely witnessed Annie end the Project Performance with the splits. If you’ve ever been to the Cleveland Clinic, you’ve more than likely seen Annie in action at work. If you’ve ever…
Read MoreBest of All – GiGiFIT Summer Participants
As we step into August, we are beginning to wind down the Summer sessions of GiGiFIT Toddler, Kids, Teen, and Adult. Anyone who knows Erin, our GiGiFIT Coordinator, knows she is always beaming with pride when she talks about the progress of our GiGiFIT participants throughout the session. However, this session more than ever, she…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Alyssa!
Math. Not everyone’s favorite subject. A subject that some students may begrudgingly walk towards. Not Josie though. Josie RUNS into the Playhouse, into the arms of Alyssa – her math tutor, who greets Josie with a “GOOD MORNING, BEAUTIFUL” and a big hug. This embrace jumpstarts the tutoring session and envigorates Josie to learn, grow,…
Read MoreFamily Stories – Avery and Wesley
Down syndrome is a gift. It’s a gift of presence. To slow down. Stop. Wait. Notice. Watch. Listen. Savor. Kayla, Avery’s mom, shares a glimpse into her story of raising two beautiful kiddos – Avery and Wesley. Poetically, she teaches us how to slow down and savor each moment. She allows us to embrace the…
Read MoreFamily Stories – Finn and Emma
We always say that siblings are the best advocates. They love, challenge, and encourage their siblings to reach new heights, while also being a safe place to land. That’s exactly what Emma is to Finn – a place of security and comfort, while also being that safe space for Finn to learn, grow, and achieve.…
Read MoreDash for Down Syndrome Reflection
Though days have passed by since our recent event, there are many moments from our Dash for Down Syndrome that bring us to tears in gratitude, celebration, and joy. If you were in attendance, you experienced the magic. If you could not attend the event this year, read the reflection below to feel how incredible…
Read MoreDash for Down Syndrome Recap
What an incredible morning we had! From volunteers, families, friends, non-profits, and other organizations, we had about 1,000 individuals moving for ACCEPTANCE, INCLUSION, and KINDNESS! Each and every individual made a difference and played a part in making this day a SUCCESS! • We extend the biggest “thank you” to all those involved! Our incredible…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Caroline!
At just 13 years old, Caroline has been volunteering with Music Makers for the past several months, and in April she inquired about volunteering with Teen Tastic. Without question, it was an obvious “yes”! We have one teen, whom Caroline already knows and loves, that comes to Teen Tastic and achieves her Best of All…
Read MoreBest of All – Nolan!
“GiGi’s Playhouse has helped my child and my family through their community of support, their appreciation for my child’s gifts, their respect for his challenges, and their belief in Nolan’s potential, purpose, and success.” – Mary, Nolan’s mother Nolan is a bright and curious individual who frequents GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland several times a week. You…
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