Volunteer Best of All: Sydney Grefsheim

At GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo, Best of All is about recognizing growth, connection, and the moments that show what is possible when people are supported, encouraged, and believed in. This month, we are proud to celebrate Sydney Grefsheim as one of our Volunteer Best of All highlights — someone whose heart for inclusion and genuine care for our participants shines through every time she walks through our doors.

A Lifelong Connection to GiGi’s

Sydney’s connection to GiGi’s Playhouse started long before she ever signed up as a volunteer. Growing up, her family was involved in GiGi’s because of her younger brother, Calvin, who has Down syndrome. GiGi’s was not just a place she volunteered — it was a place she belonged.

While attending college in Minneapolis, Sydney continued that connection by volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Twin Cities. When she returned to the Fargo area this past fall, it felt natural to step into the Fargo Playhouse and continue serving a community that had been part of her life for so long.

Her journey is a beautiful reminder that GiGi’s Playhouse is not just a program — it is a lifelong community.

Finding Joy in Connection

When asked what she loves most about volunteering, Sydney does not hesitate. For her, it is the relationships.

She has witnessed meaningful friendships form among the teens and adults at the Playhouse and has seen firsthand how much they care for one another. Watching participants grow — not just in skills, but in confidence and connection — is what keeps her coming back.

That sense of belonging and mutual support is exactly what GiGi’s strives to create, and Sydney plays an important role in nurturing that environment.

Making an Impact in GiGi’s Kitchen

Sydney volunteers with GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Adult, one of our most impactful programs focused on building independence, confidence, and life skills through cooking.

During each session, Sydney works with a small group of participants to prepare a portion of the recipe. She helps guide them through each step, offering support where needed — but always allowing the participants to do the majority of the work themselves.

One of her favorite parts is seeing the excitement at the end of each session when everyone sits down to enjoy the meal they prepared together. Even more meaningful is watching participants take the recipes home and continue cooking on their own, carrying those skills beyond the Playhouse walls.

Moments that Matter

Some moments stay with you — and for Sydney, Thanksgiving week was one of them.

The excitement around the meal was contagious, but what stood out most was hearing each participant share what they were grateful for. It was a simple moment, yet deeply meaningful, capturing the heart of GiGi’s Kitchen: connection, reflection, and shared experience.

The Impact Goes Both Ways

Some moments stay with you — and for Sydney, Thanksgiving week was one of them.

The excitement around the meal was contagious, but what stood out most was hearing each participant share what they were grateful for. It was a simple moment, yet deeply meaningful, capturing the heart of GiGi’s Kitchen: connection, reflection, and shared experience.

Why We Celebrate Best of All

At GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo, Best of All is not about being perfect. It is about effort, growth, connection, and showing up for one another. Volunteers like Sydney help make that possible every single day.

We are so grateful for the time, care, and heart Sydney brings to our community — and we are proud to celebrate her as one of our Volunteer Best of All.

Thank you, Sydney, for being part of the GiGi’s family and for helping create a place where everyone belongs.