May 2026 Best of All

May was a busy and exciting month! While much of our focus was on preparations for the annual 5K, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids Dash, we also enjoyed a special evening at Great River Brewing and hosted our very first GiGi’s Got Talent Night. From fundraising and event planning to celebrating the amazing talents of our participants, May was filled with fun, community, and memorable moments. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make these events such a success! Below are just a few of the Best of All moments from the month of May.

Participant & Program Best of All

Jacob participated in the Amina Grace Speech & Language Program this spring for the first time, and he showed up every week giving his best of all.  

“Jacob did amazing in his first semester of speech.  He began with only wanting to use head nods for yes and no but finished verbally saying both yes and no multiple times per session.  Jacob found his voice for some favorite words like the names of his pets, Chucky and Minecraft!  Jacob also began doing oral motor exercises, and Mom reports that he did them over the break without being asked.  Jacob really gives his best of all when it comes to making his voice stronger. “

Ann Cobb, Speech & Language Pathologist

Volunteer Spotlight

As the spring one-on-one session came to a close, we would be amiss if we didn’t mention the volunteer tutors. Without them, the spring session would not have been as great as it was! We are highlighting an all-new tutor, Lauren! Lauren and Christy really made a connection. Both were new to the literacy tutoring program and made a lot of gains.  Lauren made special books for Christy based on high interest topics, and Christy learned to read several sight words using those individualized books.  The two are a great pair who really did their best of all this spring. Thank you, Lauren, for stepping out of your comfort zone and tutoring! Lauren is a little camera-shy, but Christy is always willing to smile for the camera.

Playhouse Inspiration

One of the biggest highlights and inspirations this month was our very first GiGi’s Got Talent Night! From group performances to individual solos, the entire evening was filled with music, fun, friendship, and family. Everyone in attendance was inspired by the Rock Band participants and their enthusiasm for making music. The performers were incredibly proud to showcase the hard work and dedication they had put into preparing for the event, and their confidence shined on stage. To top off an unforgettable evening, attendees even had the opportunity to collect autographs from the performers, making everyone feel like true stars. ⭐🎵🎤

📷📹Photos and videos from the night can be seen here.

Thank you to all the volunteers and Quad Cities Music Therapy staff for making this night possible!

YOU can submit your Best of All stories and moments too!

Staff typically choose these stories, but we’d love to hear from you, too! If you see or hear something worth highlighting, please let us know!

Did you know you can easily share photos from programs with us by uploading them here? There are also flyers with a QR Code hanging around the playhouse.

309-762-7529 or email [email protected]

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