Paula Hill Behavior Analyst, REM Iowa
Grant Recipient, Gigi’s Playhouse

Paula Hill has served as the Board President of Gigi’s Playhouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the past year and a half. Gigi’s Playhouse is a nationwide non-profit dedicated to increasing positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns and educational programming. Gigi’s programs also aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their greatest potential, in addition to providing a community of support for families.

Among her successes as president, Paula was instrumental in leading the fundraising campaign for the grand opening of another Gigi’s location in Iowa (now one of four in the state) in September of 2014. By using her connections within the community to build up the board of directors and identify a solid donor base, the fundraising campaign and grand opening for this location was hugely successful. The event drew a packed house and included a guest appearance by Gigi herself (a teenager with Down syndrome for whom the organization is named).

Gigi’s Playhouse will receive a $500 grant from The Foundation in honor of Paula’s volunteer spirit and hard work.