The GiGi’s “Ripple Effect”

When I present to a group, I often use a power point that, among other things, tells the history of GiGi’s Playhouse and our Des Moines location. There is a slide in that presentation that talks about the “ripple effect” – how a single method of outreach can make a big impact. Here is a story of how that ripple effect brought Emily Walker to us.

It started when I went door-to-door to introduce myself to our neighbors at the start of this year. I wanted all the Windsor Heights merchants to know about GiGi’s and the wonderful work that we do. I also told them that they were welcome to tour our Playhouse anytime they wanted. That was the pebble that dropped in the water.

The first ripple from that pebble drop was when Kris Gregerson, owner of Premium Solutions, took me up on my offer and paid us a visit. The next ripple came from the beautiful Eddie Bauer soft-sided cooler that he donated to the silent auction of our upcoming gala. Next came Kris’ invitation to host and speak at the meeting of the Des Moines Breakfast Exchange of which he was a member. Among the members of that group was Rob Walker, and the ripple he caused was more like a tidal wave! He told his daughter, Emily, about this place, knowing it was the kind of organization that she would embrace. And boy, did she ever! Emily, who is a student at DMACC, signed up as a tutor and is working with three participants this summer – Eleanor, Luke and Rose.

I talked to Emily this week and asked her why her dad was so sure that she’d enjoy volunteering at GiGi’s. She told me that she was involved in Peer P.E. when she was at Johnston High School and loved working with her Down syndrome classmates and other students with special needs. She heard great things about GiGi’s and no hesitancy to jump in and volunteer. And I know that Eleanor, Luke and Rose are glad she did!

Are you ready to start a ripple effect of your own? Just call GiGi’s Playhouse at (515) 252-7529 or email me at jclaes@gigisplayouse.org and I’ll help you cast a pebble of your own!