LEGO Fun Unleashed at GiGi’s Playhouse OC’s Teen Tastic

Generous highschooler donates brand new LEGOs to GiGi’s Playhouse Orange Count

Ryan Shi is a true Best of All inspiration at GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County. As a leader with the Buddies Beyond Boundaries club at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Ryan brought his creativity and compassion to life by organizing a LEGO Party for our Teen Tastic group.

What makes Ryan’s story even more remarkable is how he made it all happen. To collect enough LEGO sets for every teen, Ryan sold some of his own older LEGO collections and used the proceeds to purchase over 40 brand new sets. He also reached out and secured additional donations, making sure each participant would not only enjoy the experience but get to keep their creation as a gift. The room was filled with excitement as our teens built, imagined, and connected with one another through the shared joy of play. For many of our participants, it was a rare opportunity to create something uniquely their own and take it home as a reminder of a joyful and empowering experience.

Ryan shared that he loves LEGOs and wanted to share that love with others. His passion was contagious and created a space where everyone felt welcome and included. The impact went beyond the bricks and building. It gave our teens a sense of pride, belonging, and encouragement. Ryan took time to sit with each participant, encouraging their ideas and cheering them on. His kindness and energy were felt in every corner of the Playhouse that day.

And he is not stopping there. Ryan is already working on acquiring even more LEGO sets so he can host a similar event for our Fantastic Friends adult group. His heart for giving and his belief in building community through creativity are exactly what make him a shining example of Best of All.

We are especially grateful for Ryan’s generosity in helping to bring joy and creativity to our Teen Tastic program. At GiGi’s Playhouse OC, we are inspired every day by people like Ryan who take what they love and turn it into something meaningful for others. His dedication reminds us that one person’s passion can build something truly powerful, and we hope his example encourages others to do the same. When kindness, creativity, and purpose come together, the possibilities are limitless, and Ryan has proven just that.

Teen Tastic at GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County is a dynamic and free program held every Tuesday night from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. It is designed for teens with Down syndrome and warmly welcomes individuals with other disabilities and special needs. This weekly gathering offers a fun and inclusive space where participants can build friendships, strengthen social skills, and gain confidence through engaging activities and themed events. Siblings and family members are encouraged to join in the fun, making it a meaningful experience for everyone. Please note that this is not a drop-off program. Teen Tastic is more than just an hour of fun. It is a place where lasting connections are made and every participant is empowered to shine.

If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact by volunteering on a committee at GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County, we’d love to hear from you! Committee volunteers play a vital role in helping us plan events, fundraise, build community partnerships, and expand our outreach. Whether you have a specific skill set or simply a passion for our mission, there’s a place for you to get involved. To learn more or express your interest, please contact our Site Manager, Suzanne Scott, at sscott@gigisplayhouse.org.