Best of All – David!
If you’ve been to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, you know that our Best of All this month is a well-known individual. Number 1: His name is David Harold Poseidon Gordon. Number 2: We would say he is a beacon of light in our community as he is ALWAYS at the Playhouse ready to help, make new friends, and give his full attention to every program he’s involved in. We can’t wait for you to learn more about David; not only through his perspective, but also through the lens of his amazing sister – Rachel!
David is a strong pillar of GiGi’s Playhouse—often welcoming new and familiar faces with a coffee in hand, a warm hug at the ready, and a smile that instantly makes you feel at home. He’s the kind of person who brings people together, making everyone feel like family. Whether he’s rocking his signature fun shorts (extra points if they have lobsters on them!) or engaging in a conversation over coffee, David’s presence is simply magnetic.
David’s journey with GiGi’s began when his family discovered that it wasn’t just a space for young kids but a thriving community for adults like him. Before GiGi’s, his social life mostly revolved around bowling once a week. Now, his schedule is packed with Book Club, Games with Friends, Fantastic Friends, Project Pulse, GiGiFIT, volunteering, and, of course, his absolute favorite—Coffee Chat. David shares that what he loves most about GiGi’s is “getting to help around the Playhouse, make coffee, and do podcasts and events with Lizz!” To David, GiGi’s is more than a place to hang out—it’s where he belongs, where he’s respected, and where his voice matters.
His sister, Rachel, has watched David blossom over the years, finding a place where he can serve, advocate, and, most importantly, be himself. She recalls one of her proudest moments—watching David participate in Games with Friends, without hesitation he stopped what he was doing and welcomed a new visitor to the Playhouse, shaking their hand and giving them a tour like he’d been running the place for years. It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the kind of person David is: thoughtful, confident, and endlessly kind.
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His love for connection is what makes him shine, and he’s never met a stranger. When asked what a strength of his was, without hesitation David shared “being a friend”. Whether it’s a first-time visitor or a longtime friend, David knows exactly how to make someone feel welcome. He’s quick with a hug, but he knows when it’s appropriate for a firm handshake. He is always ready to make someone laugh, and if you’re lucky, he might even give you a Greek name of your own.
David’s independence is something deeply cherished. Living at Welcome House allows him to make his own choices, form close friendships, and take pride in his daily routines. Rachel shares, “he has a living situation that gives him independence as well as the support he needs; he has a job he enjoys and feels purposeful; he has lots of time with family that he loves; and he has GiGi’s Playhouse! It’s wonderful to see him thrive.”
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Beyond GiGi’s, David keeps busy with his passions. He’s a die-hard Cleveland sports fan, often rocking mismatched team gear to represent all his favorites at once. He’s also a Star Wars buff, a Greek mythology enthusiast, and an expert in The Golden Girls—though watching with him is risky, as he tends to steal the punchlines! David shares that he also enjoys his Saturdays with his family, where they always eat dinner, watch movies, and play Rummikub together.
His warmth extends beyond the Playhouse. At work at Oatey, he’s a valued employee, and at home, he’s the glue that keeps his family connected. When talking about his family, David proudly listed his siblings in order, noting that he was the “meat of the sandwich” being the third of five kids! Rachel describes him as the heart of their family, bringing lightness, laughter, and even tickle fights well into adulthood.
One of the most touching moments at GiGi’s was a Leap Year birthday surprise, planned with the help of Rachel. The room was filled with love, laughter, and so many friends – but the best part? His brother, Derek, flew in from Arizona to surprise him. David was moved to tears, proving once again that the people in his life mean everything to him.
In reflecting on what he has learned during his tenure as a Playhouse Ambassador, David shared that he learned “how to be happy and how to make good friends”. David has a way of seeing the best in everyone, approaching the world with an open heart and an outstretched hand. His sister shared that she believes if more people emulated his ability to see past differences and lead with kindness, the world would be a much better place. “David sees the best in people that stems from a place of positivity and possibility. If people could emulate that even a little bit, boy, would the world be different.”
When asked about his time at GiGi’s, David sums it up perfectly: “People become family.” And if you ask him about himself, he won’t hesitate to remind you with a grin—“I’m a happy guy, a sexy guy—it’s true, it’s true!”
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