{"id":142894,"date":"2025-06-20T12:33:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T17:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/?p=142894"},"modified":"2025-06-16T14:16:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T19:16:23","slug":"cathy-gives-back-with-joy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/cathy-gives-back-with-joy\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Reasons We\u2019re Grateful for Cathy: A Joyful Spotlight on One Incredible Volunteer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-4.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-4-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-4-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-4-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-4.jpg 1499w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-2-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-2-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142910\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-2-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-2-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/files\/2025\/06\/cathy-2-2.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sugar Land, volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do\u2014and few embody the spirit of <strong>joy<\/strong>, generosity, and compassion like <strong>Cathy Gottleib<\/strong>. Her kindness radiates through the Playhouse, and her dedication has touched countless lives over the past six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cathy and her husband, Ron, have been married for <strong>50 wonderful years<\/strong> and share a close-knit family that includes their daughter, <strong>Jenna<\/strong>, and grandson, <strong>Logan<\/strong>. Their journey with GiGi\u2019s began in the most genuine way: through community, connection, and the inspiration of one passionate volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Joy Runs in the Family: A Legacy of Giving Back<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gottleib family\u2019s story with GiGi\u2019s started when <strong>Ron<\/strong> first began volunteering. Introduced to our Playhouse by <strong>Chip<\/strong>, our dedicated treasurer, Ron quickly embraced the mission and energy of GiGi\u2019s. His stories and positive experiences sparked Cathy\u2019s curiosity\u2014and soon, she felt called to get involved too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since then, Cathy has become a cherished part of our <strong>adult programs<\/strong>, regularly volunteering on <strong>Wednesdays<\/strong> and often on <strong>Fridays<\/strong> as well. Giving back is clearly a family value: Cathy has even brought her grandson, <strong>Logan<\/strong>, along to volunteer by her side when his schedule allows. It\u2019s clear that the spirit of service runs deep in this family, and we\u2019re honored to witness it in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this year, Cathy and Ron attended our <strong>Be-YOU-tiful Fashion Show<\/strong> together, showing their support for the amazing models and helping celebrate the power of inclusion and self-expression. Their presence was yet another reminder that the Gottleibs are all-in when it comes to spreading joy and celebrating our participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>A Heart for Our Adults: Making a Difference Every Week<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Volunteers like Cathy don\u2019t just show up\u2014they bring intention, love, and heart into every interaction. Her time with the adult participants is more than just hours given\u2014it\u2019s moments shared, relationships built, and confidence fostered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether she\u2019s helping with a project, offering encouragement, or simply being present, Cathy\u2019s impact is deeply felt by both participants and staff. She creates a space where adults with Down syndrome feel seen, valued, and empowered to be themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her favorite part of volunteering? In her words:<br><strong>\u201cThe happiness and joy of the participants fills my heart. I only hope I can give them half as much joy as they give to me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That quote perfectly captures the mutual magic of volunteering at GiGi\u2019s. The joy flows both ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Spreading Joy with Every Smile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s no surprise that Cathy\u2019s name comes up again and again when we talk about the most welcoming and positive people in our community. Her presence at the Playhouse is a true gift. Whether she\u2019s chatting with a participant, lending a hand to a fellow volunteer, or bringing Logan along to help out, Cathy shows up with grace and generosity every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s volunteers like Cathy who make GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sugar Land a true community. Her joy is contagious, her kindness is steady, and her <strong>commitment<\/strong> to making a difference is inspiring to us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Joy That Multiplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At GiGi\u2019s, we often say that volunteering gives as much as it receives\u2014and Cathy\u2019s story is a shining example of that truth. Her experiences remind us that the most impactful service comes not from grand gestures, but from <strong>small, joyful moments shared with others<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are incredibly grateful to Cathy, Ron, Logan, and the entire Gottleib family for being such an important part of our story. They represent what\u2019s possible when people lead with love, and we are better because they are part of the GiGi\u2019s family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Cathy\u2019s story inspires you, we\u2019d love to welcome you to our volunteer team too!<br>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.tfaforms.net\/4719651?lid=a4z2J000001VX26QAG&amp;tfa_2793=Sugar%20Land&amp;pid=a0q50000005qQdKAAU&amp;tfa_2912=\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.tfaforms.net\/4719651?lid=a4z2J000001VX26QAG&amp;tfa_2793=Sugar%20Land&amp;pid=a0q50000005qQdKAAU&amp;tfa_2912=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to fill out our volunteer interest form<\/a><br>or learn more at \ud83d\udc49 <a>https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sugar Land, volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do\u2014and few embody the spirit of joy, generosity, and compassion like Cathy Gottleib. Her kindness radiates through the Playhouse, and her dedication has touched countless lives over the past six months. Cathy and her husband, Ron, have been married for 50 wonderful years&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20723,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wpo365_audiences":[],"wpo365_private":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-142894","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142894","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20723"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142894"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142894\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sugarland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}