Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Sundt

Laura began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit in the fall of 2021 and has been an enthusiastic, thoughtful, and dedicated addition to the GiGiFIT Toddler and Open Play programs ever since. She shows up weekly with the BEST energy, great ideas, and sometimes even fun new toys to support our participants’ fine and gross motor development. We are truly blessed she found us and grateful for all she brings to the Playhouse.

Guess what, she’s a super interesting person, too!

Get to know her more below…

What’s your daytime occupation?

I am a Senior SEC Reporting Analyst (Accountant/CPA) at Datalyne

What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, taking my dog for walks, being on the water as much as possible, and volunteering at GiGi’s!

How did you find out about GiGi’s Playhouse?

My mom is a Speech and Language Pathologist in Rochester Schools for Early Intervention and was aware of the Playhouse because some of her kids attend programs there. She thought I would enjoy volunteering as I took classes in high school that allowed me to support students with disabilities and loved it.

What about the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse appeals to you, personally?

I love that GiGi’s offers all its programming to families at no cost. It creates a community for families to connect, share resources, and for kids to have fun and grow together.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer, week after week?

I love being at GiGi’s and getting to know the families and kids better over time. GiGi’s has helped me find more of a purpose and I genuinely love getting to be a part of the Playhouse.

How has volunteering here impacted your life?

Volunteering on Saturday mornings starts my weekend off on the right foot, and I always leave feeling happy and fulfilled. I also love being able to tell friends and family all about the Playhouse and the great things it provides for the Down syndrome community.

Do you have a favorite memory from volunteering?

I have so many! I’ve loved getting to see the kids in GiGiFIT Toddler progress. When I first started volunteering, both Langston and Maevis weren’t walking yet, and now they’re both running all around the Playhouse. I also love getting hugs from the kids!

Why do you believe people with Down syndrome are an important part of our community?

People with Down syndrome make our community a better, happier, and more accepting and understanding place.

What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise us?

I went skydiving with my dad in Grand Haven a few summers back!

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse?

You will get so much more out of it than you put in!

Thank you, Laura, for bringing so much heart to our community!

 Are you feeling inspired??

We have all sorts of volunteer opportunities that would certainly suit your interests and time allowance. Please join us for volunteer orientation, hosted every 2^nd Saturday of the month from 10 – 11am. If you have any questions, email Allie Plancon or call the Playhouse at 248-557-9899.