Smiling Because of GiGi’s Playhouse

by Maureen Madden-Desatnik, Vice-President Board of Managers

With Kim at the 2016 “i have a Voice” Gala

My first introduction to GiGi’s Playhouse was through a good friend and fellow board member Kim Kirwan.  I would see her wear her sweatshirt around town and eventually asked her about it.  I was immediately intrigued and interested in more information. She later invited my husband and I to the inaugural GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough Gala where I became hooked. I instantly wanted to be involved.   I have always been drawn to volunteering with individuals with special needs from as early as childhood.

I do not personally have anyone in my family with Down syndrome or any other special needs, but that doesn’t mean they do not move me. Individuals with Down syndrome have always blown me away with their infectious smiles and the way they always see the glass half full, rather than empty. The majority are go –getters constantly giving their all to reach their goals.

Board of Managers at the 2017 HRC Charity 5K benefiting GiGI’s Playhouse Hillsborough

As a board member of GiGi’s I am not always available to help with programs as I would like, but I know I have made a difference in other ways. One way is through my role as Director of Sponsorship has enabled me to meet so many of our families and community supporters.  It is so rewarding whenever I am able to convince someone to be a sponsor that never heard of GiGi’s Playhouse, many times I have successfully been able to have them be a sponsor with a financial contribution, but also with physical, such as building a stage, bookcases, or buying us a TV for the Playhouse.

During the 3+ years I have been on the Board, I have worked on marketing strategies and the Capital Campaign for the new Playhouse while serving as Gala Chair, Director of Sponsorship and am now Vice President.  One of the things I love most is getting to know not only our participants, but also their families.  I have grown very attached to our parents over the years.

With Board President Erin Morris at the 2018 “i have a Voice” Gala

GiGi’s Playhouse is not just a place for me to volunteer though, it is for my family as well.  It has been a wonderful way to teach my own kids the importance of acceptance for all individuals and how to give back as well to the community in which we live in.  My kids love GiGi’s Playhouse and the participants they have met there.  I may go weeks without stepping inside the Playhouse, but whenever I drive by it, or wear my sweatshirt around town, I am always smiling because I know how much it has changed my life, and the community of Hillsborough as well as our many families who attend.