Volunteer Spotlight…Olivia!
While all our volunteers are special, we do like to take the time to recognize individuals throughout the year. This month, we are recognizing Olivia M. In the last year, she has put in over 110 hours at the Wausau Playhouse, volunteering for Kids Club and GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Adult, as well as our annual events. She always brings with her a can-do attitude, a willingness to learn, and the best smile.
How did you hear about GiGi’s?
I first heard about GiGi’s while attending Edgewood College in Madison. Kelly Antonson, director of GiGi’s Playhouse in Madison, came into one of my classes to give a presentation about GiGi’s. I decided then that I wanted to volunteer at the playhouse. At the end of class, l asked Kelly how I could get involved and volunteer. Kelly worked with Edgewood staff to design a volunteer schedule that would work around my college demands.
Tell us about yourself outside of GiGi’s.
I am a 23-year-old college graduate with a Paraprofessional Certificate in Special Education. I work as a Substitute Paraprofessional for the D.C. Everest School District. When not subbing, I volunteer at the D.C. Everest Senior High School, helping students with disabilities gain job experience as they work in the Forest Cafe.
I have two Labrador retrievers, Ruger and Finn, and a twin brother, Evan. I enjoy reading mystery books, watching scary movies, and diamond painting. I love to ride my jet ski and spend time at our family lake home. My favorite food is lobster and color is pink, especially if it sparkles.
Tell us about a GiGi’s event that you have attended.
I have attended many GiGi’s events as a volunteer, but my favorite event is always the annual 5K Glow Fun Run/Walk. I have both volunteered at and participated in the walk. I love watching and cheering on the participants as they cross the finish line. I like how our community supports the event and seeing so many people attend, participate, and have fun. It is a great way to promote awareness about a special group of individuals.
Why do you volunteer at GiGi’s?
I volunteer at GiGi’s because I like to help people overcome their obstacles and challenges. I want to show them that their differences do not define who they are. I enjoy watching members make progress and become independent. The best part is seeing them smile.
“As a leader of GiGi’s Kitchen- Teen, I have seen Olivia grow over the last year as a volunteer. She has gained confidence and independence as a volunteer. The degree of initiative she takes is so much larger now than when she first started volunteering, and it brings me so much joy to have her as part of our team.” – Garrett K, GiGi’s Kitchen Teen Program Lead
If you are interested in joining Olivia and the rest of our team in volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse – Wausau, please visit our volunteer page and submit your information. We would love to have you join us in creating a more accepting, kind, and generous world.
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