April 2025 Best of All

April was Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we spent the month showing many of our volunteers some love. We held a special volunteer appreciation night at Pour Bros in Moline and gave all volunteers special gifts, too. While this was going on, there were several programs and special events taking place, too, and we’ve highlighted a few below!

Participant Best of All

This group of participants gave their #bestofall during the spring 6-week Kids Kitchen program. They tried new foods, learned new skills, and so much more! Amelia tried zucchini for the first time and she liked it! Everyone in the group seemed to master cracking an egg when they made their green eggs and ham. Now, just so you know, those eggs weren’t green from green dye! They blended up spinach and mixed it with the eggs. We thought that was a great way to incorporate such a beneficial vegetable into the plan.

Volunteer Spotlight

This is the third time the Occupational Therapy Department at St Ambrose University has overseen our GiGi’s Kitchen program for teens and adults. This year, there were 8 OT Students under the guidance of their professor, planning, coordinating, and leading each week’s lesson. The students learned various techniques and skills in working with individuals, while our participants tried new foods, followed recipes, and celebrated success in making their meals.

Playhouse Inspiration

We were inspired by the drive and dedication shown by these two amazing ladies. They took it upon themselves to plan and coordinate a community fundraiser on our behalf. The Toss Up for Down Syndrome Bags Tournament was a huge success. They raised just over $2000 for our Playhouse and exposed many new people to GiGi’s and why the free, purposeful programs are so important. Thank you, Nicki & Hilary, for all your hard work on this event.

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!

309-762-7529 or email quadcities@gigisplayhouse.org

#bestofall