Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it for themselves.

If you meet Tom Shuff you cannot help but smile at his infectious personality. He walks into a room and lifts people up immediately with his encouraging words, especially to the participants at GiGi’s Playhouse.

His signature phrase is “Bam Baby” is heard throughout the playhouse when volunteers as 1:1 math and 1:1 literary for multiple participants Stephanie, Farzin, and Nicole. The participants look forward to each tutoring session with Tom.

Tom is an amazing tutor with Stephanie. He works so hard to find the best way to teach each student to do their best. He is so loved by all the students. We are blessed to have him. -Marge Paradowski  (Stephanie’s mom)     

Tom and Farzin work on writing songs, event ideas for the playhouse, being an entrepreneur, and so much more. They’ve also been working incredibly hard on building a website for Farzin to highlight all of his creative projects.

Tom’s commitment does not end at the playhouse. He regularly attends participants events outside of the playhouse to show is support in all they do. He even has his family join him while  volunteering at GiGi’s. To Tom, what means the most about volunteering at GiGi’s is that: “I like having interactions that are honest, impulsive and natural from participants who are grateful and appreciative.”

“Tom and Nicole are a perfect match! Tom is nothing but amazing. Nicole’s skills have improved tremendously through Tom’s tutoring. Nicole will never give up on Tom and gives her #BestofAll during each session. Tutor Tom is Thumbs Up in our book!” – Diana Stachiw

 GiGi’s Playhouse is a 99% volunteer-run organization and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun and free. Since the first Playhouse opened in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse programs have always been free for our families.  Parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi’s Playhouse mission act as volunteers in GiGi’s Playhouse programs, events, administrative offices, and on our Board of Members.

Looking to make a difference in others lives like Tom? Attend our IN PERSON VOLUNTEER ORIENATION Tuesday, November 9th from 5-6pm at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates. 

Thank you to Tom and all our volunteers who continue to give their support at GiGi’s Playhouse.