Always moving forward
Change. it can be so exciting, a little challenging but is always necessary. We are excited to have a big change in the Playhouse Board of Managers. Our amazing founding president Ally has stepped down after serving this community with a mighty passion. Spearheading and blazing a trail with other committed families to open the doors of GiGi’s Playhouse in 2012. Our talented friend Janet has resigned from the spot of board secretary and has accepted the role of board President. We are excited to see how she will continue the work of creating a strong and healthy board.
We asked each woman to share a bit about their passion for GiGi’s so let’s turn the “mic” to them.
STEPPING DOWN, BUT NEVER FAR AWAY…
47, 3, 21 and 63 once were just numbers with no real significant meaning behind them. However; four years ago those numbers became 4 of the most important and special numbers with so much meaning and future attached to them! All because of my beautiful, smart, and full spirited little girl.
I remember like it was just yesterday sitting in my living room talking to Randi Downs and Chris Byrnes about this place called GiGi’s Playhouse and how cool it would be if only we lived in an area that had one. Soon after, I met Mary Carroll who also knew about GiGi’s Playhouse; all three wished there was one here and that’s all I needed to hear! The next days were full of research on our area and could we really, REALLY make this work. October 2011, I made the call to National asking what I needed to do to bring GiGi’s to Syracuse.
The first of many steps was to gather a group of people together that were passionate and committed to the vision and mission of the Playhouse. Filling the board with parents is the way many playhouses start, but seeking affluent and diverse members of the community is instrumental in achieving success.
I brought together what would later become the founding board members of the Syracuse Playhouse. Together we raised the initial $15,000 to become our own LLC. Thanks to our families for believing in our children and most of all to the Allyn Foundation and the Reisman Foundation who took a leap of faith in only what I was presenting to them on paper because they too believed in our “dream” and wanted to help make it a reality.
A wise women recently said to me…
“No one person has ‘ownership’ on the success of the playhouse; everyone who contributes and sees the happiness it brings each child or young adult with Down syndrome owns it – and WE owe it to each other to be kind to and respectful of each other’s gift and contributions.” That said, my hopes for the future of the playhouse is that it continues to grow with meaningful programs that help our loved ones reach the highest of potential. The board allows this to happen as they guide rather than lead and let our volunteers and committees work their magic as they equally educate, inspire, and believe in the future their tomorrow’s.
Founding President of GiGi’s Playhouse-Syracuse
Ally Donofrio Proud mom to Addison
Ally you had such a vision, you must be so proud whenever you enter the Playhouse or hear anyone talking about it. It was hard work and you did a great job.
Janet I know you will carry the Playhouse in to the future, congratulations.
It was such an honor to come up from NYC and attend your Syracuse Grand Opening.I mentioned that day, you will be telling great stories a year from now. How true. And we are living the stories, every day, writing new chapters as we go into the future. Ally, Janet, and so many others, thank you for being pioneers, having the vision and courage to embrace need beyond your own. It’s called ADVOCACY, it’s a big word, a big job, and there are many roles to play. We are all in transition, at GiGi’s Playhouse we are one big family moving in a positive direction, one life at a time, putting one foot in front of the other, doing our part in creating a better tomorrow. Much Love and Thanks. Richard Reilly, The Grandparent Connection, GiGi’s Playhouse NYC
You’re all doing so much good on the other side of the Atlantic. I don’t know if it’s spread to other countries, but it would be so good if it did. Well done everyone, you’re angels each one of you.