Family, Community, and Giving Back: Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, we are incredibly fortunate to have families who dedicate their time and energy to our mission of supporting individuals with Down syndrome. One such family has become an integral part of our community, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine spirit of giving to everything they do. Their journey with us is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the profound impact it can have on both the volunteers and those they serve. We are excited to share their inspiring story, highlighting the joy, connections, and positive changes that have blossomed through their commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse. Join us in celebrating the wonderful Kirby /Kohel family and their unwavering dedication to making a difference.
Our story is not unfamiliar to anyone reading this blog post. Around midnight on November 5th, 2018, Elton joined my family via my cousin Scott and his wife Callie. He brought with him a contagious smile, a love for music, and an extra 21st chromosome. His parents began looking for resources, and in 2020, GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau was opened. A place made with Elton and others with Down syndrome not only in mind but as the driving force.
In 2023, Sue and Kevin, Elton’s grandparents, invited me and my husband along to the Harvest Picnic. We quickly realized GiGi’s Playhouse’s impact on the Down syndrome community, and that we needed to get involved.
Two weeks later, Garrett and I sat in the monthly volunteer orientation. We learned about different programs that GiGi’s offers, and how we could be a part of them. We then became involved in the GiGi’s Kitchen Teen program and saw the benefit of the programming to the participants.
Eventually, we were asked to lead the program. We stepped up to the challenge, and haven’t looked back since. Seeing the impact that we could make through this one program helped us get fired up for the rest of GiGi’s platform. We began volunteering for more programs and events, meeting more families, and doing our best to make a difference in the lives of the participants.
Scott started leading a Music program at GiGi’s Playhouse, in addition to being our main entertainer at the 2023 and 2024 Harvest Picnics. We began inviting family and friends to the events that GiGi’s held, and talking about our experience as often as anyone would listen.
Doing this simple act of talking to others (most of which was bragging about our participants and their accomplishments) has sparked interest in our families. My dad has now helped sell raffle tickets at the 2024 5K and refereed at our inaugural Kickball tournament. I had the pleasure of being on a team with multiple family members at the Kickball Tournament. My aunt Sue has served on several planning committees for events hosted by GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau.
Through being loud and proud of what GiGi’s does, I had the joy of having a second team at the Kickball Tournament composed of my coworkers. Between the two teams, I had at least 15 people willing to come in and lock arms with the idea of creating a world of acceptance for all.
It’s simple. Be loud. Be proud. Be a voice crying out for the world to become a more accepting place, and you will be amazed at the number of people who will respond to you.
Lizzy Kohel Lead Volunteer for GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Seed to Sale
Interested in exploring what volunteering would like visit HERE!
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