11/11/2025
📰✨ EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Fresh off the press, this month’s Impact Report:
🌟 Best of All - Isabella:
When Isabella joined GiGiFIT Kids this summer, she was stepping into a world that felt competley new. As a native Spanish speaker who knew little English, she entered the program quietly, unsure of what to expect. Isabella began to find her rhythm alongside a kind volunteer who spoke conversational Spanish. Their connection led to participation, Gradually, her hesitation gave way to smiles, then laughter, and soon she was fully engaged - running with her peers, following along with the coaches, and lighting up every time she hear an encouraging “¡Muy bien!” Today, Isabella’s not just moving more; she’s found her voice, her joy, and her place within the group.
🎊 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, Jeff:
Jeff is our 2025 Volunteer of the Year! His impact can be felt across nearly every corner of GiGi’s Playhouse. Lending his time and heart to a wide range of programs—from LMNOP with our littlest learners to Fantastic Friends, GiGi Prep, and GiGi U, all the way to one-on-one tutoring sessions and community tabling events. What makes him truly special is the way he connects with others. He meets every participant exactly where they are, offering encouragement, patience, and understanding that empower them to reach their potential. Not only a volunteer, Jeff is a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to all who know him. His unwavering belief in our participants and their dreams continues to inspire our entire community. We are endlessly grateful for his dedication, compassion, and the countless ways he helps bring our mission to life every single day.
🎨 One of our brand NEW micro-enterprises, GiGi's Studio:
Introducing GiGi’s Studio: A collaborative arts program where a local Artist in Residence works with small groups of 2–4 participants in a supportive studio setting at the Playhouse. Together, they co-create original works, practice creative decision-making, and prepare pieces for public display. On September 20th, local Raleigh artist-in-residence, Julia Einstein, worked with four GiGi’s participants (Michal, Lucia, Meaghan, and Anna), guiding each through an artistic process in a true studio environment. The long-term goal is to continue working with GiGi’s studio as an ongoing opportunity for adult participants to create art and eventually sell it to local businesses. GiGi’s Studio will be combined with GiGi’s Blooms, a participant-run micro-business designed around the joy of flowers, to provide immediate opportunities for expression and connection while also building towards long-term sustainability for participants at the Playhouse.
We're so grateful for our wonderful community and are thrilled to celebrate their INCREDIBLE impact! 🙌
📌 Check our website out for more info: https://gigisplayhouse.org/raleigh
