McHenry County - Down syndrome awareness center

Friday Friends Sock Hop 2013

mchauthor — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:24:38 +0000

What fantastic night we had at our Friday Friends Sock Hop! Everyone danced the night away thanks for our awesome DJ’s Larry and Tim! We were so happy that our Friends from the Hoffman Estates Playhouse came out to join the party, fun was had by all during the hula hoop contest and the limbo! A big thank you to all who helped make this night such a success, Culver’s for donating dinner, Dawn for the great photography, Rob and Julie Nueman for the 50′s picture cut-outs and Lori S. for all that you do. This group of friends sure know how to have fun!

GiGi’s 5K Fun Run!

mchauthor — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:14:30 +0000

Invite your family, friends or coworkers to become a team! Email and Facebook everyone on your list to build the biggest walking, running or dashing team that you can. Our highest supporting team last year-Clover Technologies-didn’t even have a child with Down syndrome but they joined forces to show their awareness, support and love for the families and kids at GiGi’s Playhouse.

Go to: http://gigisplayhouse.org/5k to register today!

Friday Friends Sock Hop!

mchauthor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:14:21 +0000

Friday Friends!!

Join us for our Spring Sock Hop

Friday, April 26th

DJ~Larry will be here spinning the records7:00-10:00 pm

50′s Theme, dress up if you like

Dinner donated by Culver’s

Please R.S.V.P. to Jean at mchenry@gigisplayhouse.org or (815)385-PLAY

GiGi’s Playhouse 5K Fun Run!

mchauthor — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:55:49 +0000

“Team Charlotte” and “Team Tera” both from McHenry County, were in the top 10 teams of 2012, both honored their beautiful little girls with Down syndrome! Come join the fun, start your own team or join us at Team McHenry County!

Click the link to register: http://gigisplayhouse.org/5k

Mother becomes tireless advocate for area GiGi’s Playhouse…Everyday Hero

mchauthor — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:23 +0000

Chris Newlon had a two-word request when it came to writing about her as an Everyday Hero: “Child first.”
Her 9-year-old daughter, Rebecca, was in the next room getting help with reading at GiGi’s Playhouse, a resource center for people with Down syndrome and their families. Newlon wants her daughter to be seen as an ordinary person who happens to have Down syndrome and not be defined by it in the eyes of others….read more of her story, go to, http://gigisplayhouse.org/mchenry/

Crawlers & Walkers Group

mchauthor — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:09:54 +0000

What a great Crawlers & Walkers Group this past Sat. Val (O.T.) and Lisa (P.T.) come up with such creative and fun ways for the kids and parents to play in therapeutic ways…they sure enjoyed the parachute & beach ball!

Join us the second Sat. of every month at 10:15 AM, for more new ideas!

Our Very Own Love Story!

mchauthor — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:55:51 +0000

We are so excited to share with you the airing of a beautiful and inspiring love story! ABC 7 and Karen Meyers came to visit the Hoffman Estates Playhouse on February 1st to film Michael and Tara our Hoffman and McHenry love birds! The story will air on Valentine’s Day February 14th at 11:30 AM. Tune in to be inspired!!

one million voices gallery

mchauthor — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:48:31 +0000

The one million voices gallery opening night at Woodfield Mall was outstanding! To see all the proud parents standing in-front of their child’s beautiful picture was just a magical moment. To see the awe in faces of strangers was something that will not be forgotten. A million voices speaking loud and clear, without saying a word!

Sunnyside Scooter Raffle 2012

mchauthor — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:27:19 +0000

A very big Thank you goes out to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Les, the owner and Tom, who donated the scooter! What a great night last Friday December 21, 2012, not only was it their customer appreciation night, but also a night that they designated GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry to receive proceeds collected from raffling off a 2010 Honda Scooter. Jessica S. (family member of GiGi’s McHenry) got to pull the winning ticket for the scooter, she was so excited to be able to do that! Les presented a check to Jean Boyle, Site Coordinator and Jessica S. for $3080.00! We were blown away by their generosity and the kindness of the tavern’s customers. Strangers came up to hug Jessica and talk about GiGi’s Playhouse. Not only did we raise some money for our Playhouse, but the amount of awareness that we were able to share was immeasurable! What a great night, thank you!!!

Holiday Party 2012

mchauthor — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:00:47 +0000

Thank you to all who came out this past Friday night to our annual Holiday Party! Over 80 people packed the McHenry Playhouse, old friends and new. There was a lot going on, crafts with the football players, a visit from Santa, dinner from Noodles & Company and caroling lead by Michealeen…oh what fun it is!! Special thanks to Theresa for the wonderful and much loved Scentsy Buddies, thank you to Bear-hugs Across Chicagoland for the Teddy Bears too! The McHenry Warrior Football Players did a great job planning the party as well as volunteering for the night! Al and Dawn C. captured some great pictures of the kids with Santa, thanks for all who helped make it such a wonderful and memorable night! Happy Happy Holidays to all!

Michealeen Caroling!