Volunteer of the Month – Tim!

Meet Tim, our Volunteer of the Month! Tim brings a gentle and calm energy into the Playhouse every time he joins us for Games with Friends Adult. Whether he’s diving into a competitive round of Headbandz or shooting hoops with the crew, Tim is always fully present and ready to engage. What stands out most is the way our participants light up when he walks through the door, or more often, ask “Where’s Tim?” if he’s not there yet. That says it all. His ability to genuinely connect with each person in front of him makes him not just a great volunteer, but a cherished friend to so many.

Tell us about you!

I retired in 2020 from a major paint company.  Since then, I leased a horse for 4 years and checked an old wish-list box to ride again.  Horses are wonderful animals, large, powerful and very intuitive about whom they choose to trust.  Being around horses introduced me to another volunteering activity at the Medina Creative Therapy Ranch. At the ranch, instructors provide riding lessons for people of all ages and ability levels, and as a volunteer, I assist the instructor by leading or side-walking alongside the horse to provide safety assistance.  I have found volunteering to be an extremely rewarding activity, for the people I have met express such joy and excitement that it charges my own life with positivity.

How did you hear about GiGi’s? 

I suspect I heard about GiGi’s Playhouse at some time on TV as a good-news story, but when I was searching online for a volunteering opportunity in the CLE area, I read many encouraging reviews and thought it would be a nice place to get involved.

How long have you been involved? 

I’ve been volunteering at GiGi’s for almost one year.

What programs have you volunteered for?  

I volunteer at Adult Games with Friends, and the participants have welcomed me with open arms. I truly look forward to our game nights.

Why did you start volunteering? 

After retiring, I wanted to find ways to engage the community in rewarding and positive ways.

Why do you love GiGi’s Playhouse?  

The staff at GiGi’s Playhouse are very professional, yet kind and helpful to us volunteers.  However, it’s the friends I’ve made with the participants that make me excited about being there.  A loud hello and a big hug are just the right medicine to fill the soul.

Do you have a favorite memory at the Playhouse? If so, what is it? 

Every time I see a huge smile on someone’s face, it’s like a bolt of joy that shows just how impressive our friends truly are.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new volunteer?   

Take it slowly and allow our friends time to let you know what they want to say or do. 

What is something you’ve learned by volunteering at GiGi’s? 

The ability of our participants is so much more than I could have known before I got involved, and I believe I’m a better person for learning this nugget of truth.

As a volunteer, what is one thing you’d say to a new family who is curious about GiGi’s Playhouse?

Please be willing to let your loved one engage with new folks and give them the opportunity to develop more self-confidence!

Thank you, Tim, for all that you do for GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. Your calm presence, kind heart, and willingness to jump into any activity make such a difference in the lives of our participants. Whether you’re sharing a laugh during a game, offering encouragement, or simply being a consistent and friendly face, your impact is felt deeply. We are so grateful for the time and energy you give so generously. Your ability to connect with others in such an authentic way truly embodies the spirit of our Playhouse, and we’re lucky to have you as part of our community.