Thank you God for the Miracles

Hi!  My name is Lory, and I have been volunteering as the Board Treasurer since just before GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans became its own legal entity in March 2020 (yes, just before that, too).  I am getting ready to pass the torch to a new treasurer, so I am reflecting on my time in this role and am reminded that national GiGi’s Playhouse national founder, Nancy Gianni (GiGi’s mom), often says that GiGi’s Playhouse runs on miracles. Nancy also says: “GiGi’s programs are free for families, but they are not free to provide.”  So, let me give you a little behind the scenes view. . . it costs several thousand dollars a month just to keep the Playhouse doors open for programs and managed well; additionally, other needs such as program supplies, family fun events, staff manager training, and volunteer needs all cost money.  Launching new programs costs money.  (Background checks alone, which help keep our loved ones safe, are about $10 per program assistant and $40 for new program leaders and tutors, even going up to $90 if they have lived in certain other states!)  When I’m bogged down in the practicalities of the mundane world of finances and operations, my husband reminds me to remember all that God has done in our GiGi’s community.  So, here is my list of miracles I have prayed for and been surprised to see in the last three years, and as Nancy often says in the “Little Something Extra” podcast, “Thank you, God!” for the miracles!

The founding team leaders who had the vision to bring a GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center to our city

Each new Board Member volunteer who has joined GiGi’s mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome

Every group program volunteer who donates time every week to provide GiGi’s free, educational and therapeutic-based programs

Every 1-on-1 literacy and math tutor who volunteers to positively impact the life of a learner with DS

GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans’ amazing site manager who is there to welcome participants, volunteers, and supporters and to help everything run smoothly (there is more that goes into it than most can see)

Band, Caterer, DJ, Venue, and Volunteers who donate their time and talents to GiGi’s special events

Supportive landlords who let us use their space for special programs and the Lagniappe Gala

Our kitchen renovation, security camera installation, and other handiwork done by volunteers.

The Lucky Few Foundation photoshoot at our Playhouse: Jack, Joel, & Lilli

A COVID relief grant that came in a year after we applied

A Hurricane Ida relief grant that came in quickly

Donors who come out of nowhere and give miraculous one-time gifts

Donors who faithfully give any gift because every little bit counts

321 Champions who sign up and continue to support every month (check out the recognition wall at the Playhouse!)

Every person with Down syndrome* who comes through GiGi’s doors! (*Would you consider giving a donation in their honor? . . . because the more support GiGi’s NOLA has, the more we can grow educational program offerings, community awareness outreach, and special events for GiGi’s families.)