Faces of Laradon: Lighting Up Hearts One Canvas at a Time

Monday mornings at Laradon are filled with warm greetings, caring hearts, and people who show up each week ready to make a difference. And when Gina Frank walks through the door, her radiant smile and joyful energy make that feeling shine even brighter.

For Gina, a dedicated Laradon Society Board Member and long-time Elks member, this March hasn’t just been about volunteering, it’s been about building friendships with Laradon individuals through art.

As David from the Adult Day program says best: “Gina is the best volunteer ever.”

Every Monday, she sits side-by-side with our artists, helping them turn blank canvases into vibrant 3D masterpieces that will be featured at our Corks for a Cause fundraiser on April 30th.

If you ask the artists, they’ll tell you it’s not the paint or the patterns they look forward to most; it’s Gina. She has a rare gift for making people feel seen and heard. She doesn't just teach art; she listens to stories, shares laughs, and treats every individual with a dignity that leaves the community better than she found it.

“You will never experience anything as gratifying as working with the people here at Laradon,” Gina shares. “All of the individuals are very welcoming and loving. They are just very open to having people come in and help them.”

From volunteering at holiday parties to organizing toy and clothing drives for Christmas, Gina’s heart for the IDD community knows no bounds. That’s why Team Laradon is so proud to honor her this April during Volunteer Appreciation Month.