The Power of Volunteering

At our Grand Opening celebration last weekend we took a moment to recognize some of the incredible volunteers who have dedicated their time to the playhouse the last six months. One of those volunteers was a young man named Luke. Luke received our Enthusiasm award. At GiGi’s we follow five core values, Enthusiasm is the first and defined as bringing positive, high energy to your work. Luke exemplifies all five of our core values but his passion for our mission and the happiness he brings when he volunteers at programs is unmatched. Luke has consistently blown us away by his dedication to the playhouse. He has attended and supported

EVERY SINGLE program that we offer here. Our program leads depend on him, our families love him, and our participants look forward to seeing Luke each week. He is an inspiration to so many. As much of an impact as he has made on the playhouse and our families, they have made just as big an impact on him.

“I want to give you all my thanks for the shoutout and gift yesterday. I feel very great knowing that people appreciate my work and for the person that I am and it feels amazing to be an inspiration to others. To be honest, GiGi’s Playhouse has truly changed my life and made me and the people that I know more accepting, caring, and loving people. I had no idea how respected and admired I am at GiGi’s Playhouse, and truly, I can’t put my feelings into words. The opening of the playhouse in Deerfield is the best gift the families that have relatives with Down syndrome have ever received. Not only has it made an impact on these families, but also on the rest of the community. I just want to let you know that GiGi’s Playhouse is turning into my second home and it is, by far, one of the best places that I have ever been to, ever. I love volunteering there and I will continue to do so this upcoming school year, Once again, thank you so much for everything you have and GiGi’s Playhouse has done for me, my family, and the whole world.  ~ From, Luke

Our goal for every volunteer is to feel as fulfilled in their work as Luke does. Volunteers are the lifeline of the playhouse and the only way that we can do what we do. Thank you to everyone who has already dedicated time at the playhouse, you are helping us change lives! For more information on volunteering go to https://gigisplayhouse.org/deerfield/volunteer/ or email us at Deerfield@gigisplayhouse.org.