Our Down to Dance Leader; Mariyah
We are so grateful for our partnership with the University of Florida and their Down to Dance program! Our participants absolutely love this program and learn so much from the incredible leaders like Mariyah.
Mariyah currently volunteers and serves as the President of Down to Dance, an organization at the University of Florida that has been dancing with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse families for the past few years! Mariyah initially wanted to get involved with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse because she was drawn to our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome, and she is doing that every week in these virtual workshops! The program teaches choreography to the participants and promotes socialization and confidence-building.
“Since working with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, there have been so many moments that have made me feel grateful for the opportunity to volunteer. Some of the dancers I work with have been with us from my very first dance workshop. Being able to witness the growth in their confidence year after year has been incredibly inspiring. I’ve seen how our choreographers support our dancers, instilling confidence with every step that is taught. I have also felt supported by our dancers, and how their infectious smiles light up any room they walk into!”
Volunteering with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse has given her the opportunity to be a part of a supportive and caring community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in all forms. She has been able to connect with many Virtual GiGi’s Playhouse families, learn from their experiences, and be a source of encouragement and support in their journey.
“As a volunteer with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, I have been able to share my life’s passion and witness the growth it instills in our dancers nationwide! I believe volunteering provides us with a greater purpose and the ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Being able to volunteer has allowed me to spread the mission of achieving global acceptance for all.”
Thank you Mariyah, and all of the other Down to Dance volunteers! We are so grateful for this impactful partnership and your dedication to our mission!
Relationship Building for a Global Community
Providing us with a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose, communities are sources of friendship, identity, and mutual aid. The Virtual Playhouse was formed with a goal of providing opportunities and a virtual platform for people to come together, regardless of geographic boundaries, to exchange ideas, seek advice, and foster meaningful relationships. Virtual Community Groups and…
Messages of Peace from Our Community – Maggie
Our Virtual Playhouse volunteer, Maggie, started her journey with GiGi’s Playhouse in the spring of 2022. She learned about the volunteer opportunity through our collaborative partner, Back Bake America, who has a mission to perform acts of kindness and empower others to pay that kindness forward. “When I learned about GiGi’s Playhouse and their mission…
Acceptance and Achieving Goals – Jeremiah
This past year, Jeremiah (Jeremy) has been participating in GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse programming including 1-on-1 Math Tutoring, Down to Dance, and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult. In May, Jeremy and his family were also active participants in the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge – Virtual Movement – raising acceptance in the community and funds to support Virtual Playhouse programming.…