2020 Gala Award Nominations
The format of our gala may be different this year but one thing remains the same. Each year we present special awards to individuals, businesses or groups that have made an impact in the past year. Sometimes it is simply the amount of time they have spent volunteering and other times it is the specific act of generosity, kindness or acceptance that they have shown. This year we will be presenting 3 awards. Below is the list of individuals (and some behind the scenes information) that are nominated for each award.
We hope you will join us during the virtual gala on April 25th at 5:30 pm to see the award announcements.
Volunteer of the Year
Jenn Parsons – former staff turned board member but before joining the board she also volunteered her time to oversee the Amina Grace Speech and Language program for the winter 2019 session.
Brian Lynch – Site Director’s husband has a honey do list at the Playhouse that’s longer than the list at home. He also volunteers at all the larger group events including his special appearance at the Christmas party each year.
Carson & Jim Paulsgrove – This father son team volunteers at a variety of programs and special events all year long. They also invite and encourage students from their school district to volunteer at the larger events.
Collectively these individuals logged over 400 hours of volunteer time in 2019.
Program Participant of the Year
Mila J – Mila participates in as many programs as she possibly can but we’re pretty sure her favorite is Music!
Luke F – Luke enjoys his weekly tutoring sessions with his tutor and buddy Mike! They usually enjoy a good card game while working on math skills too!
Abby C– Abby comes from a remote area (50-minute drive) to participate in multiple programs throughout the year. This year she is looking forward to transitioning into the teenage programs.
Collectively these participants logged over 240 hours of program participation in 2019.
Generation G (Accepting, Generous, Kind)
Taghon Family – Chose to donate a loved one’s memorial to help launch the all new GiGiFIT program here at the local Playhouse.
Holeman Family – Prompted employer to do a year long giving campaign on our behalf. Employees paid to wear jeans each week and raised $6000!
Nicole Willits with Infinity Photography – Donates time and talents throughout the year to photograph special events and special photos for the Playhouse.
Smith Family – A mom and daughter have made volunteering a family affair. Mom (Amy) has tutored multiple students for the last three tutoring sessions and her daughter (Ana) is leading Teen Tastic and Fantastic Friends program.
We are blessed and thankful for ALL the volunteers, donors, and families that make GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities successful. Without all of you, we could never do what we do! Thank you!
The winners of the 2020 awards were announced on April 25th during the virtual gala.
That recording can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hDgqSwaPlMA
