GiGi’s Grammy Awards

Did you know GiGi’s has their very own Grammy Award Show? It’s held during the annual “i have a Voice” Gala. In addition to a night of cocktails, dinner, and entertainment we take time to show our appreciation for some of the volunteers that go above and beyond. Trust us… there are a lot of them and it is very hard to narrow down a short list!

In the past, it’s been a surprise with 4-5 individuals being recognized in a variety of categories. However, we feel that there are many that deserve recognition so this year we came up with a list of nominees. We appreciate each of them and all they do! They are not only helping here at GiGi’s, they are out in the community representing us and individuals with Down syndrome. Our voices are stronger together and these individuals help by volunteering but they also share the GiGi’s mission and vision with others. You can see the list of nominees below but first we want to share this impactful email with you.

 “Friends,

I just wanted to thank you for the Generation G award.  We were truly honored to receive this. Every day I teach kids the importance of accepting people and this award shows how important acceptance is.  At an event once, I was chatting with an individual with Down syndrome.  I had a person say, you do so good with (insert name here).  How do you know what to talk about?  I was perplexed by this question.  So I responded by asking, what do you mean? I just talk to him like everyone else.  So, from that point on, it became my mission of acceptance of all.  Receiving this award helps solidify my mission of acceptance and that I am doing good work.

Thanks again,

Denise and Brad, too.” 2017 generation G award recipients

 

This email reinforced that they are indeed generation G.

They are accepting, generous with their time and talents, and kind too! #generationG

2018 Gala Awards Nominations

Generation G

Brianna Barclay

Kaitlyn Nathem

Jayson Johnson

Tutor of the Year

Jami Burbridge

Bill Curnyn

Emily Webster

Volunteer of the Year

Paula Lund

Michael Morley

Beth Takemoto

Family Advocate

Carmichael Family (Ron, Anna, Emily, Sarah & Abby)

Johnson Family (Chad, Susanna & Mila)

Garlock Family (Jan, George & John)

Young Leader

Mara Guse

Allyson Ford

Amanda Pease

If you know any of the nominees, please give them a pat on the back for a job well done. We hope that you will attend the gala on March 10^th at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf so you can see who the top choices are. For more information about the event click here.