Volunteer of the Month – ALL OUR 2025 VOLUNTEERS!
2025 seemed to pass in a blink of an eye, but we could not let the year pass without recognizing our volunteers who devote so much time, energy, and love to our participants & families. Whether a volunteer is rounding out their 5th year or their first month, the impact is profound. A majority of our volunteers walk into their orientation sharing that they “want to make a difference”. Much to their surprise, the reverse happens. Our participants change our volunteers. Each little moment, Best of All, and celebration does not go unnoticed by the volunteers who make GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland a beacon of hope in our Cleveland community.
Whether it’s volunteers staying late to chat with families, asking to volunteer for multiple programs, going door-to-door to gather items for our events, taking all the tablecloths home after a party to wash them, coming early to set up, staying late to clean up, vacuuming the floors, saying “hi” to participants outside the Playhouse, picking up pizza before a program, attending Project Pulse performances, donating to a participant’s school fundraiser, or simply being present during the time within the wall of the Playhouse – it’s evident that our volunteers want to be here.
We could spend countless hours sharing about our volunteers and the magic they create within the Playhouse. While our volunteers don’t volunteer to be recognized, they simply choose to be here each day to empower the participants we serve. It is important to us to take one evening out of the year to recognize and celebrate THEM.
This year, in honor of our 10th Anniversary, we wanted to elevate the evening a little. That took us down Detroit Avenue to WovenSmart, where owner Renee Martinez generously donated her space to hold our Volunteer Appreciation Night. Cozumel Lakewood also donated all the necessities for a nacho bar, which allowed us to fill our volunteers’ bellies with the best Mexican food in town.
Surrounded by calming energy, stunning art, and delicious food, our volunteers were given a chance to take in the impact of their time volunteering. Volunteers mingled with familiar faces, but also had the opportunity to meet new volunteers, where they could talk about special moments at the Playhouse, favorite memories with our friends, or even brainstorm for their next program! During this event, we recognized each volunteer, no matter the size of their commitment, as each minute of a volunteer’s time is a gift. It’s time that they could be doing 321 other things, but they choose to spend their time at GiGi’s.
At our Volunteer Appreciation event, we take time to highlight some volunteers who go above and beyond. This year, we were honored to recognize the following individuals:
Volunteer Awards
Rockstar Rookie – Scott Nixon – GiGiFIT Teen Program Assist
Most Enthusiastic – Cindy Schumacker – Math Tutor
The Helping Hand – Julia McKeown & Bella Loparo – GiGiFIT Kids Program Assists
Rising Advocate – Addie Deeds – Leaps & Bounds Program Assist
Ripple Effect Award – Katie Priefer – GiGiFIT Preschool Program Assist
Bright Beginner – Jake & Evan Zurkey – GiGiFIT Kids Program Assists
Dynamic Duo – Megan & Lydia Temple – GiGiFIT Preschool & Kids Program Assists
Long Service – Emily Nar – Project Pulse Teen Program Assist
The Comeback – Marissa McIntosh – Games With Friends Program Assist
Pages of Service – Erin Thomas – Book Club Program Assist, Events Volunteer
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – Sydney Wisnor – Math Tutor, Literacy Tutor, Destination Discovery Program Lead, GiGiFIT Teen Program Lead
Continued Commitment – Libby Farrell – GiGiFIT Preschool Program Assist
Passionate Parent – Jamie Varga – LMNOP Program Assist
Miss Intentionality – Fiona Senft – GiGiFIT Teen Program Lead, Teen Tastic Program Assist
Big Honors of the Night
Big Honors of the Night
Youth Service Award: Arthur Wallace
We are proud to recognize this young man as the recipient of GiGi’s Youth Service Award, a distinction that feels especially meaningful as he becomes our very first honoree. This volunteer began volunteering with us in 2022 as an eighth grader and, quite simply, never looked back. From the very beginning, it was clear that his commitment came from the heart. He has never once asked us to verify service hours or write letters on his behalf (even though we would PROUDLY do so). While many students volunteer with requirements in mind, this young man does so because he genuinely wants to be here. Over the years, he has shared his time and talents across Teen Tastic and LMNOP as a Program Assist, and most recently as a GiGiFIT Teen Assist, consistently showing up with enthusiasm and intention. What we admire most about this young man is his natural ability to build bridges. He strikes up conversations effortlessly, connects authentically with participants, and isn’t afraid to “bro-out” with the teen guys in a way that feels real and inclusive.
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Generation G Award: Jennifer Perry
We are thrilled to honor this volunteer as the recipient of our Generation G Award, a recognition rooted in our mission to “Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind.” This individual embodies each of these values so naturally and consistently that her impact is felt the moment she walks into the Playhouse. As a psychology professor at Baldwin Wallace University, this volunteer brings with her an incredible depth of compassion, curiosity, and care for others. She primarily volunteers as a Program Assist for Music Makers, where her calm presence and genuine engagement help create an environment where everyone feels seen and supported. But her reach extends far beyond any single program. What truly sets her apart is the way she connects with people. She has a remarkable ability to make fellow volunteers feel instantly at home – asking thoughtful, sincere questions about their schooling, careers, and lives, and then remembering those details each time she returns. Conversations don’t just restart with her; they continue. That level of attentiveness and authenticity builds trust and belonging in a way that is rare and deeply meaningful.
Additionally, this volunteer’s generosity also shines through in the many ways as she supports Teen Tastic, where her daughter volunteers as a Program Assist. She regularly reaches out to our team simply to ask, “What can I bring?” and no request is ever too small or too big. From rotisserie chickens to salads, popcorn, desserts, or even helping make a Teen Tastic wedding extra special, this volunteer shows up with a willing heart and open hands. These small, thoughtful gestures create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community. More recently, she has joined our Outreach team and willingly and joyfully volunteers to go out into the community to any fair or community event we participate in, where her warmth and ease in conversation make her a natural ambassador for GiGi’s Playhouse. She builds bridges effortlessly, sharing our mission with kindness, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm – leaving everyone she meets feeling welcomed and inspired.
Through her acceptance, generosity, and kindness, she helps create a community where people feel connected, valued, and empowered. We are so grateful for all that she brings to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, as she is the very definition of Generation G. We are proud to recognize Jen Perry with the Generation G Award.
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Volunteer of the Year: Carrie Litten
We are honored to highlight this individual as our Volunteer of the Year, a recognition that truly captures the extraordinary impact they have made throughout GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and beyond. Her impact is powerful and far-reaching, yet her demeanor is best described as one of calm confidence – a steady, reassuring presence that makes everyone around her feel capable and cared for. Perhaps this comes from her work as a Nurse Practitioner in the ER at Akron Children’s Hospital, but whatever the source, she brings that same grounded leadership and compassion to the Playhouse tenfold.
Inspired by her late father, Brian Daw, who was an integral part of our Playhouse community, her journey with GiGi’s began as a Board Member. From there, this volunteer’s involvement has only continued to grow – seemingly without limits.
She has played a key role on our Brews & Beats event committee, securing auction items and fine-tuning event registration, volunteers in the First Aid tent at our Dash for Down Syndrome, and steps in without hesitation to sub for any program when we find ourselves short on volunteers. She has taken time out of her busy schedule to attend our National Conference in Chicago, and she quietly serves as the unofficial “Nurse of the Playhouse” (yes – she’s taken out more than a few stitches), and consistently shows up wherever she is needed, often before anyone even has to ask.
One of her most meaningful contributions was bringing our very first Teddy Bear Clinic to life. She thoughtfully coordinated nearly ten medical professionals from Akron Children’s Hospital, partnered with nursing students from John Carroll University, secured stuffed Care Bears for every participant, and carefully designed an experience that ensured each friend felt safe, respected, and at ease. For a first-time event, its impact was extraordinary – so much so that she even went and held a Teddy Bear Clinic down at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton and Playhouses across the network quickly began reaching out, eager to mirror what she created.
While the list of her contributions could go on and on, what matters most is this: GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland is stronger, safer, and more compassionate because of her. She leads with heart, a great dose of humility, and an unwavering commitment to service. We are endlessly grateful for the time, talent, and love she pours into our community. Simply put, we are better because of her. We are so proud to honor Carrie Litten as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
While these awards spotlight individual achievements, we extend our deepest thanks to every single volunteer. Your love and dedication are the foundation of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. Thank you for showing up with open hearts, steady hands, and an unwavering belief in every individual we serve.
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