Thank you to the Dingle Family, Steve Drain and TNT Athletics!

One thing I’ve learned on our life with Down syndrome journey, is that kindness and support can come at unexpected times and that it can leave you completely speechless. On Christmas morning, after all the gifts were opened and breakfast goodies were gobbled down, I sat down to find a message from my friend, Sally. She was writing to share exciting and very unexpected news. Her son had won a “training for charity” contest at TNT Athletics in McHenry. Sally and two of her children participated in the program and they all entered Gigi’s Playhouse as the charity of their choice to been the beneficiary of the money raised for the contest. They lovingly did this in honor of my daughter, Hope, knowing that GiGi’s is very special to her and our family. On Christmas day, the results of the charity drawing was revealed, and her amazing son had won….GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry had won!

To say that I was touched is putting it mildly. It left me speechless and with a few tears. What a morning to feel kindness directed towards your family and the place you feel is a second home! Little did I know that this was just the beginning of the loss-for-words kindness I would feel. Sally and I found a time that Steve Drain of TNT Athletics could visit the McHenry Playhouse.

When Steve arrived at GiGi’s Playhouse, his genuine interest was evident and his generous spirit followed him in the door. He greeted us all with a big bear hug and welcoming smile. Steve then presented to Jean, the Director of the Playhouse, with a check for $2,300!! Did I mention that speechless thing before?!? Well, here it was again! Since GiGi’s runs completely on donations from the community, receiving this kind of support is incredible. Steve stayed and joined us in talking about the mission of GiGi’s and the programs, meeting families of GiGi’s Playhouse and sharing in our Open Play pizza. It was a day I’ll remember for a very long time. I could tell the Playhouse had new supporters and it was a day that kindness shined. Thank you to the Dingle Family, Steve Drain and TNT Athletics!