Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Leotti
For those who missed our Lucky Have a Few gala last week, we had the absolute honor of presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to someone truly exceptional—Lauren Leotti! Since the summer of 2021, Lauren has been an invaluable part of GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, dedicating time, thoughtfulness, and heart...
How Down Syndrome Has Impacted My Life
Guest post by Elie Kim, age 17 My younger sister, Elena, has Down syndrome, and as World Down Syndrome Day approaches, I would like to take this time to reflect on my experiences in the Down syndrome community. From left to right:Philip, Elena, Elie, and Ema Kim From an early...
PJ’s “Best of All”
With over 230 program hours logged, PJ is no stranger to GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. He has participated in LMNOP, Kids Club, Playhouse Pals, Open Play, Literacy tutoring, Math tutoring, Special Olympics: Young Athletes, all of our events, and now that he's a teenager, Teen Tastic! PJ comes to the Playhouse...
Program Spotlight: Destination Discovery
Play = Fun + Learning! This spring we launched a new program for all ages called Destination Discovery. We're going to take a moment to tell you how phenomenal it is! Like all our programs at GiGi's Playhouse Detroit, Destination Discovery supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor...
“Best of All”: GiGi’s Playhouse Dancers
This month's #BestOfAll goes out to Landon, Lucy, Kearahston, Sara, and Zachary, for their incredible dance performance with the Wayne State University Dance Team! This crew met at the Playhouse only three times to learn a brand new routine before performing it in front of a big crowd at the...
Honoring My Baby Sister
Guest Post by Margaret Kunz I am not sure how to describe my happiness to be involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. My explanation is extremely personal and brings me unspeakable sorrow, as well as great joy and peace. Sixty-five years ago, my little sister, Diane Ruth Sherwood, was born. I was...
Meet the New Program Leaders – Music Makers
It's a Family Affair! This spring we launched another new program, called Music Makers. Thanks to the lovely Kunz family, we have already received tremendous reviews! Allow us to introduce Jeannie, Bill, Margaret, and Frank - the rockstars who stepped up to lead our joyful ensemble. Back in the day,...
Meet the New Program Leaders – Destination Discovery
Destination Discovery is a brand new program, launched this spring at GiGi's Playhouse Detroit. We have tremendous gratitude for the two brave women who have taken it on and are doing a fabulous job so far! Introducing Amanda and Jaclyn... Amanda Glorio Jaclyn Luchkovitz What is your favorite type of...
Meet The New Program Leaders – LMNOP
This spring we were blessed with NINE new program leaders! How wonderful for our families to experience the enthusiasm, joy, and talent each of these individuals brings. With their support, we've been able to grow and expand our offering of therapeutic and educational programs to folks with Down syndrome of...
The Ripple Effect
Ripple effect - noun: a spreading, pervasive, and usually unintentional effect or influence. A ripple effect occurs when a small, initial disturbance to a system propagates outward to disturb an increasingly larger portion of the system. Have you ever tossed a stone into a lake when the water was completely calm? Although the pebble is...
Ian’s “Best of All”
Best of All: best of all (noun) \best of all\ is progressive, continual, measurable, and it never ends. It is a daily challenge to do a little better than you did the day before, and it’s always celebrated. Possible manifestations: standing just one second longer, reading just one more word,...
Volunteer Spotlight: Paige Bradley
This month we're showcasing the fabulous Paige Bradley! Paige began leading Art Explosion in the fall of 2023. A mother of 2 sweet girls, Paige stays active by substitute teaching, volunteering in her daughters' classrooms, coaching soccer, and a leading a girl scout troop. It's a wonder she has time...