Meet the Associate Board: Kyle Galin

GiGi’s NYC is thrilled to spotlight Kyle Galin! Kyle joined our Associate Board earlier this year and has been an incredible new member to the GiGi NYC community. We hope you all enjoy what he has to say about his experience with us thus far!

1. How and when did you first get involved with GiGi’s NYC? 
   
   • I first got involved with GiGi’s NYC in December of 2020. At the time, COVID was still rampant, and I was itching to get back in the habit of giving back to the community. In high school, I was heavily involved in programs assisting children with Ds or Autism Spectrum Disorder and cherished those memories. After some brief online research, I stumbled upon GiGi’s Playhouse NYC and knew it was the perfect way to get involved again.
2. Why did you decide to join the Associate Board ?

3. • I joined the AB so that I could do more than just volunteer for programs. I want to be able to do behind the scenes work that ultimately helps drive fundraising, participation, and awareness. The AB is a group of hardworking young professionals who share the same vision and goals that I do for the Playhouse.
4. How did you find out about GiGi’s NYC?
   • I found out about GiGi’s NYC through a Google Search!
5. What does GiGi’s NYC mean to you?

5. • GiGi’s NYC is one of the most fulfilling escapes from day-to-day life I could ever imagine. The ability to help the participants and their families through our programs is as rewarding as anything I do in life. I’m so grateful for GiGi’s NYC and the experiences I’ve gained thus far from the organization.
6. What do you do on the Associate Board?
   • Generally speaking, my role on the AB is very fluid. Whether it be fundraising, planning programs, or helping to spread awareness, I’m happy to contribute however possible. As I said, the AB is a tremendous group of individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to help grow this amazing GiGi’s NYC community.
7. What is your favorite thing about the GiGi’s NYC community?
   • The positive spirit. Everything GiGi’s does comes with endless smiles and excitement. There isn’t a program that doesn’t come with pure joy. I know I can count on GiGi’s NYC, its participants, and their families for a pick me up whenever I need it.
8. What does Down syndrome awareness and acceptance look like to you?
   • To me, Down syndrome awareness and acceptance comes in the form of not denying any opportunity to individuals with Ds. As our volunteers and families know, children and adults with Ds are capable of anything. Our participants can never be underestimated. It is critical that the rest of society knows that!
9. What from our community are you most proud of?
   • I’m most proud of everyone’s commitment to their own self betterment and the betterment of others. GiGi’s NYC is a collaboration amongst individuals who want to grow. I love watching participants and their families support each other.
10. How do you enjoy spending your free time?
    • I spend my free time playing sports, traveling, and hanging with my friends. Those are three things I’ll love doing forever.
11. What do you want the GiGi’s NYC community to know?
    • I want the community to know that anything is possible. Never underestimate yourselves and continue to set lofty goals. As a community, we are all there for each other to help each other achieve whatever it is they set out to do.

Words cannot describe how appreciative we are for Kyle and cannot thank him enough for how much effort and enthusiasm he pours into this community. We hope you can join Kyle and Isaac for our second bi-annual Sports Clinic on 12/4. Please join us in sharing your appreciation for Kyle and what he brings to our community!