Who Will You Run, Walk or Dash For? | Team Katie’s Krazies | GiGi’s Playhouse 2016 5k

It is time for our next GiGi’s Playhouse 2016 5k post! Today we are sharing about Team Katie’s Krazies.  Team Capt. Lori Kindon is a huge part of what makes GiGi’s such n awesome place to be. She is always ready to help and support! Not only does she volunteer her time as a Literacy Tutor she also leads one of our favorite programs, LMNOP (Language, Music N’, Our Peeps)! When she is not using her gifts she can be seen on social media sharing inspiring stories about individuals with Down syndrome, and cheering on all the great people who participate at GiGi’s. We really could not ask for a better team mate in this big wonderful mission! <3 Let’s hand over the mic to Lori……

This will be our 2nd year participating. I hope to have a HUGE team this year! This year we are calling ourselves, Katie’s Krazies in memory of my dear friend Katie who passed away in June of 2001 at the age of 23. Katie is a large part of the reason that I have a heart for working with people of all abilities and an even larger part of why I volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse.

The 5K is an opportunity to raise funds to keep all the wonderful programs at GiGi’s Playhouse up and running, at no cost to families!
GiGi’s is so important to the Syracuse community because it provides wonderful resources and programs for families and individuals with Down syndrome, free of charge. I love that there are programs for ALL ages!! My friend Katie would have LOVED and THRIVED at GiGi’s. After Katie graduated from high school, she struggled with finding her place in the world and finding things to do that made her happy. GiGi’s would have made such a difference in her life!!! She is constantly my inspiration and motivation.
My favorite GiGi’s memory is receiving the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2016 Gala. I was so shocked and thrilled and honored by this award!! I had NO IDEA it was even a “thing”!! I felt like a won an Oscar or a TONY!!!! Ugly cry for sure!!!
GiGi’s has helped me through some tough times in my life. I have struggled with the “empty nest syndrome” and volunteering at GiGi’s gets me out of the house, out of my funk and let’s me love on some babies!!!!

My team goal this year is $1,000, but wouldn’t it be great to exceed that amount!!??!! I am bombarding my family and friends with emails and Facebook posts!!! We are looking into t-shirts or buttons with Katie’s picture on them. She had such a great smile!!

GiGi’s Playhouse is a place where EVERYONE is accepted, respected and loved! People are people no matter what their abilities are. It is awesome that everyone is welcome to participate in GiGi’s programs whether they have a diagnosis or not! Everyone has feelings, emotions and most importantly, something to say!! It just might be communicated in a different way! We ALL have something to contribute to this world!!!!!!

Thank you Lori for ALL the ways you live the Generation G lifestyle!

If you would like to join or support Team Katies Krazies click HERE

To see other Teams or to start your own click HERE.

educate.inspire.believe