July’s Letter from the President: 1- on- 1 Math and Literacy Tutors Needed

Hello families and friends of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa, 

This is your Board President, Mike Bucalo. 

I hope you’re all enjoying your summer so far! I want to begin by offering a heartfelt thank you to the Cooper Family Charitable Fund, the Lightning Foundation, and Transfiguration Catholic Church for your incredible support of our Playhouse. Amazing donations like theirs allow us to continue offering free, purposeful programs to our participants, families, and the wider community. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and commitment to our mission. 

I also want to take a moment to celebrate the newest members of our board who answered our call for help in last month’s newsletter. Please join me in welcoming Arina Nossova, our new Board Secretary Jennifer Trujillo, and our new Board Treasurer Sharon Walker! Their willingness to step up and serve is a powerful reminder of the amazing community we have here at GiGi’s.

That said, we are still in critical need of more helping hands. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, now is the time. Whether on the board, a committee, or helping at the Playhouse, please reach out and ask how you can support our mission. Every role—big or small—makes a meaningful impact. 

As we mentioned last month, we are still in significant need of your help at the Playhouse. While our staff is phenomenal, GiGi’s runs on being 1% staff and 99% volunteer-based. We simply cannot operate without the dedication of volunteers like you. 

One of our biggest needs right now is for more 1-on-1 math and literacy tutors. Every semester, we have participants who apply for these vital programs but unfortunately cannot be matched due to a shortage of tutors. 

Additionally, our Spanish-speaking population has grown significantly in recent months, and we have an even greater need for Spanish-speaking or bilingual tutors to meet this demand and ensure equal access to programming for all of our families. 

Whether you speak only English or are bilingual, no prior tutoring experience is required! We provide all the documents, training, and tools you’ll need to be successful. Our tutor application for the fall semester is open now, so please don’t wait—sign up to become a tutor today and help us change lives. 

I also want to speak directly to our families whose participants are currently enrolled—or hoping to enroll—in our 1-on-1 or group math, literacy, and speech tutoring programs. 

It’s crucial to understand the commitment these services entail: 
✅ Consistent attendance is vital. Please make every effort to attend all scheduled sessions. 
✅ Communication is key. If you need to miss a session, let us know in advance and be willing to reschedule a makeup. 
✅ Respect for our volunteers. Every spot in these programs represents another family who may be waiting. Missed sessions and lack of communication are the number one reason for tutor turnover. 

By honoring these commitments, you help us maintain these incredible free programs and keep our amazing volunteer tutors engaged and supported. 

At GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa, we believe deeply in the power of community and the importance of giving our participants the tools and opportunities to succeed. We can’t do it without you. 

Thank you for your continued support, your time, and your dedication to this life- changing mission. 

I look forward to seeing so many of you soon at our upcoming GiGi’s Playhouse Birthday Party on August 16th—come celebrate with us! 

Warmly, 
Mike Bucalo 
President, Board of Directors 
GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa 
📧 [email protected]