Creating Events, Youth Board Style

There are many amazing parts of being on a Youth Board at GiGi’s Playhouse, but the most exciting part isn’t just meeting new friends (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s getting the chance to lead impactful events and make a real difference in your community.

Across the country, Youth Boards have stepped up to either support Playhouse-led events or take the lead in creating their own, with each one reflecting the spirit of #GenerationG. These experiences teach responsibility, teamwork, and leadership, giving board members skills they’ll carry with them for life.

Now, our National Youth Board Officers are sharing their own stories and how working on events with their local YBs taught them, challenged them, and brought unforgettable memories.

Ethan Tonni, Marketing Officer (Canton, OH)

One of my favorite events to share, and a Canton YB tradition, is our annual Egg My Yard fundraiser. This event has become a staple for our YB and has been shared across the nation. What makes it special is that our YB does everything from planning, purchasing eggs and candies, and filling up the eggs with the items as part of one of our meetings. The night before Easter, we quietly deliver and scatter the filled eggs in families’ yards, creating an amazing morning surprise for the kids. We also design and promote an online order form to coordinate sign-ups and make the process easy for everyone involved.

Parth Halani, President (Hillsborough, NJ)

One of our signature events at the Hillsborough Youth Board is Trunk or Treat—an annual favorite that’s entirely youth-led. From designing flyers and spreading the word, to organizing volunteers and setting up fun activities like face painting and doughnut-on-a-string challenges, we take charge of it all under the guidance of the adult board. Leading this event not only brings our community together but also gives us real experience in teamwork, leadership, and making a difference through fun, inclusive celebrations. It gives us the chance to connect with fellow Youth Board members through thoughtful planning, while also engaging with participants on a more personal level.

Luke M, VP (San Diego, CA)

At the San Diego Youth Board, we’ve been working to make the Youth Board more visible in the community. We’ve set up a booth at our local farmer’s market twice now, raising thousands in donations while handing out GiGi’s water bottles, fliers, and participant-made bracelets. It’s been a great way to practice talking to new people and pitching our mission on the spot. Alongside that, we stay involved in the teen programs at the Playhouse. Most recently, we hosted a Western-themed dance at one of the Teen Tastic programs. We planned decorations, music, and games to make it a fun night for everyone. It’s a balance of fundraising and hands-on work, and both sides have taught me how to step up and take initiative.

Manan P, Secretary (Hillsborough, NJ)

I am at the Hillsborough Youth Board alongside President Parth Halani.  A personal favorite event of mine is the “Spring Fling”/ Easter party. After a combination of online marketing through social media and flyers around the city, we were able to get an impressive turnout. We have a large open field behind our location where we were able to hide eggs with prizes inside and host a fun easter egg hunt. We also had various other games and crafts stations, and the easter bunny came and read stories. Overall, we were able to experiment and implement cool new ideas that we had not even thought of at previous events. This not only engages the community but also teaches all the volunteers how to act kindly towards people with disabilities and helps them foster planning, communication, and leadership skills.

Every event Youth Board led is a powerful statement that waves in passion, creativity, and, of course, the #GenerationG message. Whether you’re planning your first event or the hundredth, every voice matters when a part of GiGi’s Playhouse.

Ready to make your voice heard? If your Playhouse doesn’t have a Youth Board yet, reach out to youthboard@gigisplayhouse.org to learn how you can get involved and represent your location!