“a time to celebrate accomplishments and motivate the community”

The 2017 “I have a voice” Gala is just a couple of months away but planning has been underway for several months. In an effort to learn more about the Gala and what it means to some of our families, we reached out to some of the families that have been involved over the years. This is the first of several blog posts related to the Gala. Below you will see what Beth Takemoto, one of the Gala co-chairs has to say about the Gala and her family.

How did you hear about GiGi’s Playhouse? I drove by it many times on my way to work and was always curious.

How long have you been participating in programming here at GiGi’s? close 4 years

If you were to pick one thing to say about GiGi’s, what would be the #BestofAll you would like to share?

I am so proud to be a part of a program that I wish we had when I was growing up.  My sister has Down syndrome and we were very lucky to have a great community that helped come together and make it possible for her to be successful in her career and life right now.  That being said, I don’t take for granted that my parents had to be the “first parents” in many ways….they had to be the first parents to have emotionally challenging conversations with school boards, teachers, parents, doctors, and even friends.  The idea of inclusion was just starting and I didn’t even realize that being able to be in classes with my sister was not the normal route for all families in the past.

I’m so happy that Gigi’s makes new parents and families know they are not alone and they are not going through the journey for the first time.

Why is Gala important to you?

The Gala is really the first time I was able to see how Gigi’s Mission affects both people who have never heard of the Playhouse AND families that have been active with Gigi’s for years.  It is a time to celebrate accomplishments and motivate the community to help our playhouse reach new goals each year.

Being a co-chair for a few years has taught me how much the playhouse accomplishes with such a strong hearted group of site leads and volunteers.

Tell us about your family/friends/coworkers that will attend with you?

I’ve been very lucky and each year we are recruiting more and more friends and family to come to the Gala.  This year many members of my family will come including parents, sister, husband, my aunts & uncles, in laws and even my nieces.  I am also expecting probably 3 tables worth of friends/coworkers to join us as well!

Would you encourage others to attend?

Of course I would encourage others to attend since it is a great time to dress up, eat and drink some good food and win/bid on some amazing auction items.  My friends last year ended up with a huge group going skiing in Beaver Creek in Colorado.  It’s not very often that you get a chance to get a night out with friends and family. Also, there is something knowing that your fun purchases are going to a fantastic cause.