Gala Planning Fun for the Hillsborough Playhouse

Family & Friends enjoy the 2015 i have a voice gala

After talking and planning for the last 11 months, it is almost time for Hillsborough’s 2^nd i have a voice Gala.  It was almost a year ago when I was first introduced to GiGi’s Playhouse from my good friend and fellow board member, Kim Kirwan who invited me to the Inaugural Hillsborough Gala.  My husband and I were so inspired by that evening that I couldn’t wait to be apart of the incredible GiGi’s team.  So 11 months later, a board member, a trip to Hoffman Estates; here I am the co-chair to 2016 Gala for GiGi’s Hillsborough. What a journey it has been and incredible experience.

The road to the Gala is definitely one to never underestimate; it is exciting, exhausting, and stressful at times, but most of all it is rewarding.   As I called and/or walked into businesses procuring donations and sponsorships, there is one thing everyone says to me as I leave them, “thank you for what you do.”  I have also received hugs as well, and follow-up questions of “how can I get involved.”  This is what GiGi’s is about.

Playhouse participant Jason displays his painting during the live auction.

When our Site Coordinator Liz asked me to initially write something about the Hillsborough Playhouse’s experience in planning the Gala, I was trying to figure out what to focus on first. Then I realized the best way to write about our planning experience is to ask our core team. First I started with my co-chair, Carolyn Yaccarino, she has been putting her heart and soul into planning the Gala for the second year in a row. She is amazing, and makes gathering donations from businesses look incredibly easy.  When I first asked her what she liked best about planning the Gala, it wasn’t the taste testing, which was good at the Heldrich Hotel, or seeing the incredible number of donations being sent to us, it was “Community.”   The thing that Carolyn truly loved most was being able to go out throughout our community to meet new and old people and talk about GiGi’s, to share her joy and love for the incredible participants that we hope to help with the money that we raise.   I think sometimes people underestimate their communities, and don’t realize there are some amazing people out there who love to help but don’t always know how and sometimes a small visit by someone like Carolyn or a participant can brighten their day or change their future by inviting them to visit GiGi’s and get involved.

Playhouse participant Alexa with friends during dinner.

Now Carolyn is not the only person working on the Gala, no way, Gala planning needs many people, our site coordinator Liz Kepniss for one has a very important role.  With Liz’s help we are able to track our donations and keep us organized with her great spreadsheets. She is also fortunate enough to be at the Playhouse daily and be a part of the programs. She told me she loves to the listen to participants talk about how excited they are for “the party.”

Board President Erin Morris addresses everyone.

As I scrolled through my hundreds of text messages, not all Gala related, but a good number of them are, I found my favorite one called “Gala Gurus.”  I LOVE IT!  Created by Liz, this sums up our team.   As Erin Morris, our President told me, she loves the teamwork that is involved in planning not only the Gala, but also the programs for the Playhouse.  Between the board members, the Site Coordinator, our volunteers and most importantly our participants, the teamwork that takes place is just astounding.  It gives a new meaning to the term community with the special bonds that have been created in making the 2016 Gala even more amazing and inspirational then Hillsborough’s first one.

Maureen Madden
i have a voice 2016 Gala
Board Member/Co-Gala Chair
GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough