Denver Playhouse Team Grows to Serve More Families, More Programs

GiGi’s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization, and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun, and free. We’re excited to welcome a new member to our Denver Playhouse team to help organize all aspects of volunteering – Tonya Thompson.

Tonya serves as the Volunteer Liaison, communicating with anyone interested in volunteering, managing our Volunteer Interest Form and database, and helping new volunteers navigate the onboarding process. We’re so grateful for her positive approach and can-do attitude that keeps our Playhouse humming!

Tell us a little bit more about you and your family 

I grew up in Iowa and moved to the mountains for what I thought would be one ski season, which ultimately lasted 22 years. I love the mountains and the family that I have because of them. I’m married to Brett, and we have three boys, Charlie, Oliver, and Isaac. We live in Golden and seem to always be at a sporting event cheering on the Demons.   

How did you get involved with the Denver Playhouse? 

I started volunteering as soon as I learned that a Playhouse was opening in Denver.    

Why GiGi’s Playhouse? 

I’ve known GiGi’s Playhouse for quite some time, having connections at the Quad Cities Playhouse. I was so excited to see that one was opening in Denver and couldn’t wait to be a part of it. I believe in everything this organization offers, and I hope that everyone in our community gets an opportunity to learn about and be a part of this space.  

What’s your favorite part of GiGi’s Playhouse Denver? What takeaways have you gotten from your volunteer experiences? 

The Playhouse is such a happy place. Consistently. From the volunteers to the participants to the family members. Everyone is always excited to be here and genuinely engaged in whatever they do. You can never have enough happiness. 

What does acceptance mean to you? 

Acceptance is exactly what GiGi’s promotes: kindness, generosity, meeting and receiving everyone exactly where they are at that moment. 

Any final words to share with our community?  

“There is no favorable wind for a ship that knows not it’s destination.” 

I memorized this quote for extra credit in my favorite teacher’s class in high school. I’ve never forgotten it and repeated it to myself at least a million times over the years. You need to know where you’re going to get anything done.

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GiGi’s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization. We rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun, and free. Since the first Playhouse opened in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse programs have always been free for our families. Parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi’s Playhouse mission act as volunteers in GiGi’s Playhouse programs, events, administrative offices, and on our Board of Members. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Denver Playhouse at https://gigisplayhouse.org/denver/volunteer/