{"id":142463,"date":"2026-07-22T17:25:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/raleigh\/?p=142463"},"modified":"2026-07-22T17:25:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:25:02","slug":"when-community-and-corporate-purpose-come-together-building-inclusion-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/raleigh\/when-community-and-corporate-purpose-come-together-building-inclusion-together\/","title":{"rendered":"When Community and Corporate Purpose Come Together: Building Inclusion Together"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

On July 21, 2026, President Michelle Pfeiffer, three of our participants, Oscar, Kate, and Joey, and I had the honor of attending a community volunteer event at IBM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM is one of the Raleigh area’s foundational technology employers, with their team leading the development of enterprise software, hybrid cloud solutions, and IT services. After spending the day with their team, I can confidently say that their impact extends far beyond technology. Their commitment to investing in the communities where they live and work was seen in the day we shared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event began with IBM sharing one of its core values: making a meaningful impact in the community. By the end of the day, it was clear they truly live out that mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a partnership with Goodera, IBM provides volunteer opportunities and community engagement events that connect employees with local organizations like ours! We kicked off the morning by introducing GiGi’s Playhouse, sharing our mission, and explaining how our free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs empower individuals with Down syndrome while fostering acceptance and inclusion throughout our community. Following our presentation, Janice from Goodera led everyone through a fun, hands-on activity. Together, IBM employees and our participants created watercolor paintings and assembled Joy Jars. If you’ve never heard of a Joy Jar, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a jar filled with small items designed to brighten someone’s day. These included encouraging notes, stickers, and small toys, each serving as a simple reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact. We had so much fun creating them together and look forward to sharing them at one of our upcoming community events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the crafts, one of the most meaningful parts of the day was simply connecting with people. We made new friends, valuable connections, and most importantly we introduced more members of our community to the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. Those conversations are often where lasting impacts and partnerships start. When people have the opportunity to spend time with our participants, ask questions, and learn about our programs firsthand, they gain a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion and their support. Those connections can inspire future volunteers, advocates, donors, and long lasting partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community partnerships like this are essential to the work we do. They allow us to reach new audiences, create meaningful experiences for our participants, and build a network of organizations that believe in creating a more accepting and inclusive community. Every partnership looks different, and we are grateful for the many ways businesses and organizations choose to support our mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the partnership opportunities available include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n