Volunteer Spotlight: Lauren Dunn

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 organization and our programs vibrant, educational, fun and free. Each month we work to highlight one of the skilled volunteers who generously dedicates time to making our Denver Playhouse shine!

Introducing Lauren Dunn

Hi, I’m Lauren, and I am currently a third-year Ph.D. candidate studying Human Medical Genetics at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. My lab is part of the Linda Crnic Institute, which studies Down syndrome and strongly focuses on how the immune system differs in individuals with Down syndrome.

What made you decide to volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse?

I wanted to expand my impact on this amazing population of people, so I started looking for places to volunteer. I found GiGi’s Playhouse, was immediately impressed by its mission, and wanted to be involved.

How long have you been a volunteer? What programs, committees, or events have you volunteered with?

I started volunteering in January 2023, leading weekly sessions through GiGiFit Teen. I also volunteered at the Glow Run this year, and it was incredible to meet more families involved with the Denver Playhouse!

What is your favorite way to volunteer with GiGi’s?

The sessions with GiGiFit Teen have been great because the weekly sessions have allowed me to develop close relationships with the Teen participants and their families. Watching the participants grow stronger and more confident in themselves each week is so cool.

Can you share a favorite moment from your time volunteering? 

My favorite moment so far has probably been at this year’s Glow Run! I watched a mom new to GiGi’s Playhouse introduce herself to another mom who visits the Denver location weekly with her infant. It was a great reminder of why GiGi’s exists. It is so powerful that GiGi’s allows families who love someone with Down syndrome to find other families who go through the same daily hardships. It has helped create a fantastic community where families can connect and bond over shared experiences.

What is the most impactful thing you have learned from your time at GiGi’s?

One of the most important things I have learned through GiGi’s is how capable these incredible individuals are. GiGi’s is doing a wonderful job of changing the way the world views Down syndrome.

What advice would you give to someone that is new to volunteering or considering volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse? 

I would tell anyone interested in volunteering with GiGi’s that it is absolutely worth spending your extra time helping participants and families and that you will immediately see the impact of your hard work.

Thanks, Lauren! Because of your support and commitment, we can host FREE and purposeful programming like GiGiFIT Teen. Whether you’re a parent, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi’s Playhouse mission, there are many ways you can get involved at the Playhouse from programming and events to administrative offices and even our Board of Directors. If you are interested in donating your time and talent, contact us today. Learn more at https://gigisplayhouse.org/denver/volunteer/.