Shining the Spotlight on an Extraordinary Volunteer

We are incredibly grateful to recognize Diane as our Volunteer Spotlight. Diane embodies the heart of what it means to be a GiGi’s Playhouse volunteer, and we are thankful for the care, intention, and thoughtfulness she brings to everything she does. What we value most about Diane is her consistent focus on reflection and growth—she thoughtfully considers what works well, what doesn’t, and how every experience can be improved. She approaches each opportunity with a strong lens of conservation, efficiency, and flexibility, always striving to ensure that our programs are meaningful, inclusive, and impactful for every participant.

Diane’s passion for service reaches far beyond our walls. She has volunteered around the world, including time spent in Kenya, and those global experiences have shaped her deep understanding of community, collaboration, and respect. She brings that same energy, curiosity, and engagement to GiGi’s Playhouse each time she walks through our doors. Her ability to listen, observe, and adapt allows her to connect naturally with participants, families, and fellow volunteers alike.

We are especially grateful that Diane found her way to us because she was a GiGi first to her own grandkids. That personal connection inspired her to seek out opportunities to give back, and our GiGi’s Playhouse community has been incredibly fortunate to benefit from her time and talents. Diane’s commitment is rooted in love, advocacy, and a genuine desire to help individuals with Down syndrome thrive, learn, and grow.

Over time, Diane has continued to increase her involvement with GiGi’s Playhouse, stepping into new roles and offering her skills wherever they are needed most. She takes the time to understand each participant’s unique needs, strengths, and interests, and she thoughtfully adapts her approach to ensure everyone feels supported and empowered. Whether she is helping behind the scenes or working directly with participants, Diane’s presence brings a sense of calm, confidence, and encouragement.

Most recently, Diane shared her talents in a hands-on and meaningful way by teaching our Fantastic Friends adult participants how to make peanut butter cookies. This class was not only a fun and engaging activity, but also an opportunity for participants to build independence, practice life skills, and experience the joy of creating something from start to finish. Diane patiently guided participants through each step of the process, from measuring ingredients to mixing and baking, ensuring everyone had the chance to participate at their own pace. Her thoughtful instruction and warm encouragement made the experience both educational and enjoyable, and the smiles in the room were a true testament to the impact she had.

Experiences like this highlight Diane’s dedication to creating inclusive opportunities that foster confidence, connection, and success. She understands that learning can happen in many forms and that meaningful moments often come from shared experiences. Her willingness to step forward, try new ideas, and support our adult participants in such a tangible way exemplifies the spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse.

We are truly thankful for Diane’s continued involvement and the positive influence she has on our community. We are thrilled to learn from her and deeply appreciate the time, care, and passion she shares so generously. From all of us at GiGi’s Playhouse, we extend our biggest THANK YOU to Diane for being such a valued volunteer and an important part of our GiGi’s Family.