Celebrating the Heart and Soul of GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau: Our Volunteers 

When we step into GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, we are greeted by more than just walls and programs. We are welcomed by a community, a family, powered by the unwavering dedication and passion of our volunteers. They are the heartbeat of our mission: to provide free, life-changing programming to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Today, we take a moment to shine the spotlight on these incredible individuals who give us their time, talents, and hearts. 

At GiGi’s, volunteering is not just about lending a hand; it’s about creating ripples of hope and change. It’s about the smile that lights up a child’s face as they master a new skill in the Math or Literacy program. It’s the encouragement shared during a therapeutic play session, and the laughter that echoes during family events. Our volunteers create environments where everyone feels valued, loved, and empowered to achieve their best. 

Our volunteers come from diverse walks of life—students, parents, professionals, retirees—but their shared purpose is clear: to make a difference. Whether they are working directly with our participants, organizing events behind the scenes, or championing our cause in the community, their contributions are invaluable. 

Their impact is not measured just in hours logged, but in moments created. They foster dreams, nurture abilities, and inspire confidence. Their compassion turns challenges into triumphs, and their dedication ensures that GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau continues to grow as a beacon of inclusion and acceptance. 

So how can we show our appreciation? With every “thank you,” we acknowledge their hard work. Through meaningful recognition events and heartfelt gestures, we celebrate their contributions. And perhaps most importantly, by sharing their stories and inviting others to join this transformative journey, we honor their legacy. 
 
At GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, our volunteers are the true champions of our mission, and their contributions continuously inspire us. Today, we want to highlight three remarkable individuals whose dedication embodies the spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse. 

First up is Heide! A relatively new member of our volunteer family, Heide joined us during Volunteer Orientation Night in February 2025. In just two months, she has already logged over 20 hours of volunteering and made an unforgettable impression. Heide’s enthusiasm knows no bounds—whether she’s serving ice cream sundaes for World Down Syndrome Day or guiding teens as they master their kitchen skills. Her adventurous spirit shines through in her willingness to dive into new experiences, meet new people, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Recently, she even accompanied our Playhouse Manager, Erica, to present at the Wausau Noon Optimist Club, where she shared her perspective as a volunteer and encouraged others to get involved. Heide’s genuine positivity is a gift to all who cross her path. 

Next, we have Desta—a seasoned volunteer who could easily be described as Wonder Woman! Over the past four years, Desta has dedicated more than 560 hours of her time to GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, which equates to over 23 days of continuous service. Her impact spans far and wide: tutoring multiple literacy students, guiding Adult Kitchen participants, and eagerly stepping into new roles like math tutoring for our spring pilot program. Watching Desta work with her students is a joy—she sets high expectations and motivates participants to exceed their own limits. As a retired teacher, Desta brings unparalleled expertise and patience, leaving a lasting impression on every participant she supports. She is truly a cornerstone of our Playhouse community. 

Finally, we celebrate Fred, whose story is a testament to the idea that no specific experience is required to be an amazing volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse. With over 30 years of professional experience in corrections, Fred has now become one of our standout literacy tutors. His ability to form strong connections with participants is a key to his success in helping them achieve their goals and master new skills. Fred’s approach exemplifies the power of relationship-building in creating impactful learning experiences—and his dedication proves that every unique background adds value to our community. 

Each of these volunteers—Heide, Desta, and Fred—brings their unique talents, perspectives, and passions to GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau. Their unwavering commitment transforms lives and builds the inclusive, supportive environment we cherish. 

To the volunteers of GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau: you are our heroes. You remind us that when kindness and community come together, extraordinary things happen. Thank you for helping our participants sparkle.