Here at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, we believe in teamwork! Together, we make a great team — and as they say, “teamwork makes the dream work.” We’re not sure who they are, but we’ll go with it!

We’ve had a week to reflect on the annual National GiGi’s Conference, and those who attended are feeling recharged, reenergized, and ready to keep our Playhouse progressing in the right direction!

Each year, Board Presidents take the stage to share two words: one representing the past year and one for the year ahead. Our Board President, Kathy Kuhnen, shared that the word for 2025 was “succession” — a fitting choice, as we focused on developing a staff succession plan during our leadership transition. It took a little longer than expected, but the process has been a huge success!

The word for 2026 is “progressing.” Over the past few years, we’ve made tremendous strides, and we know the work isn’t done. We’ll continue advancing, developing, evolving, growing, and flourishing — all wonderful synonyms for progressing — as we move forward together.

Reflections

We had 12 people from our local playhouse in attendance at the conference this year, including 9 from our leadership team (staff and board members). Here is what a few of them had to say about the conference.

Conference is a great way to collaborate with staff and board members from our local Playhouse, along with other playhouses.  I love coming back recharged and ready to take on another year!

Kathy Kuhnen, Board President

One of my favorite sessions was Creative Assets Sell with Creative Director Joel Kapity. I gained valuable insights and tools on how to enhance our storytelling through video and photography. The session ended with Joel sharing a powerful video he recently created with the Las Vegas Playhouse. It had everything—emotion, authenticity, and heart. Watching it reminded me exactly why we do what we do. I left the conference feeling re-energized and honored to be part of GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, where we each play a role in making a difference and continuing to spread the global message of acceptance for all.

Abbey Pocklington, Board Member & Marketing/Outreach Committee Co-Chair

I really enjoyed my experience at my first National Leaders Conference as a staff member.  I was able to make connections with other Executive Directors and leaders across the GiGi’s Playhouse network and to be able to put more faces to names that I’ve seen in emails, instant messages, and National calls.  I was so happy to celebrate the achievements that happened in the Quad Cities Playhouse over the last year!  It reaffirmed my stance that I am SO LUCKY to be working with an AMAZING team!  I was very lucky to be able to help celebrate Pam’s incredible accomplishments as she accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award!  Thank you again for everything you have done to make our Playhouse the remarkable place it is.  As I walked away from the conference, I felt I was ready to dream big for our QC Playhouse, and I can’t wait to work with our staff and board members to see how we can make those dreams come true for our participants, families, and community!

Nathan Bates, Executive Director

Conference wa better than expected! This was my first time attending the conference, and I had a wonderful experience. Once I found my groove, I began absorbing so much information. My hope is to take everything I learned and use it to better myself as both a board member and a committee member.

It was especially nice to meet so many people with the same mindset, especially the younger attendees.

There were laughs (a lot of laughs!), games, food, and of course drinks. I loved getting to know the QC Gigi’s staff and board members better. And yes… what happens at conference stays at conference. LOL!

The best part by far was being there to watch Pam accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. I can’t think of anyone more deserving. It has truly been a highlight working with Pam.

Meribeth Johnson, Board Member Art Show & Gala Committee Member

Standards of Execution

Many have heard us refer to the national Standards of Execution (SOEs) and possibly seen previous blogs explaining what they are. If you’ve sat in the family room here at the playhouse, you’ve probably noticed the certificates on the wall. These will soon be updated to reflect our 2025 achievements!

Center of Excellence

• Programs & Volunteer Management
• Marketing
• Operations & Facility
• Human Resources
• Financial Health
• Board Health & Strategy

Strong

• Family & Community – This is a newer SOE, and we are continuing to progress toward the Center of Excellence status.

Baseline

• Development & Fundraising – This SOE outlines our donor journey and annual fundraising strategy. We’re not strong or center of excellence in this area yet, but it’s a top priority for the coming year.

Special Awards

SOE Champion

During the last night of the conference, a banquet is held that includes dinner, dancing, and recognition for playhouses that achieve strong or center of excellence status on 5 or more SOEs. As a team, we received an SOE Champion award plaque for achieving that goal.

However, there are other special awards presented that night. Back in 2022, our playhouse received the Best of All Award (see that blog here), and this year, our longest-serving staff person received the Lifetime Achievement Award. To say she was shocked is an understatement.

Lifetime Achievement

It went a little something like this…

Lifetime Achievement: We now come to an extraordinary individual whose dedication, leadership, and passion are leaving a lasting legacy. She joined GiGi’s Playhouse in 2016, bringing extensive experience in education and nonprofit service.

For nearly a decade, she has served her local Playhouse in multiple roles, guiding with both professionalism and heart. Through it all, she continually makes a remarkable impact, ensuring our mission inspires and strengthens the community every day. For example, the Playhouse has seen a volunteer base that has more than doubled, and an expansion in the physical space to support this growing community.

What she treasures most are the relationships she has built along her journey. She says, “The Best of All part of GiGi’s are relationships. I may retire or move on someday, but I cannot imagine not being part of GiGi’s in some way.” If you know her, you can see her trademark smile as you hear these words. Her unwavering commitment, generosity, and encouragement of others exemplify the very spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with profound gratitude and admiration that we present this Lifetime Achievement Award to…

📽️Pam Lynch!

👉You can see the video of her shocked reaction by clicking on her name above. Also, the video of her acceptance speech can be seen here. Many thanks to Lizz Maxweel, the Executive Director from the Cleveland location, for capturing this for us.

As mentioned above, I was simply shocked when they said my name. I am, however, honored and blessed to have been chosen out of the hundreds of people who work hard every day to strengthen the mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome, but also provide meaningful programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. My life has been enriched by all the amazing people I have met and I can only hope that I have made an impact on some of them along the way. Like I said in my acceptance speech linked above, I don’t do it alone. I have great support from my family, our board, our local staff, and the entire GiGi’s network!

Pam Lynch, Former Site Director, Current Marketing & Events Coordinator

Generation G Award Artist

One of our very own Playhouse participants, Matthew Benson, was the talented artist behind the award design for the 2025 GiGi’s Conference. Artwork submissions were accepted from across the entire network, and his design was selected as the winner. We are so proud of him and his incredible artistic talent!

Photos & Videos

Photos and videos from the conference can be seen here. There are some funny ones, so if you want a good laugh, be sure to check them out!

Progressing

We are equipped and ready to continue moving our playhouse forward. We’d love for you to be part of that momentum. If you have questions, comments, or something you’d like to see at our playhouse in the coming years, please reach out to Nathan Bates via email or chat with him at the playhouse. He’s all ears!

A Playhouse United T-Shirt

Did you see the awesome Playhouse United T-shirts our team wore at the GiGi’s Conference? Now you can get one too! For a limited time, a $21 donation will include a Playhouse United T-shirt if you request one. Don’t miss out on this special offer! Request yours using the link below. https://ow.ly/ufvl50XxKjj Online requet close on December 10th, but there are shirts available at the playhouse as well.