We are Thankful

Once again families and friends have gathered to gobbled until they wobbled. This time of year brings out so many good feels for us all. We start focusing in on the things that really bring us joy, we work a little harder to make each sweet moment count. Snuggling with kids to watch a Christmas movie, baking cookies and not worrying so much about the mess. One might go so far to say that our vision becomes just a little bit clearer.

Of course this time of year can also be hard. It brings up the sting of those we love so desperately and miss like crazy.  If this is you, come see us. We want to hug you, we want to include you and we want to help carry this. You are not alone when the GiGi’s family is close by.  Check out our locations and feel free to join in.

We now have THIRTY ONE Playhouses open and serving their communities and 9 doing the work to open their doors in 2017! How amazing is that!? It is so easy to see how much we have to be thankful for as we look out at the GiGi’s Playhouse Network …..join us on a little visit across the country.

GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland just hosted it first Stand Up For Downs event and it looks like it was a blast! “We hosted Stand Up For Downs’ first Improv Workshop yesterday and it was a success! These amazing participants showed off their Best of All as they worked on the art of improv. To see them grow in practice and confidently shine in their performance on stage was incredible! A huge thank you to Rob Snow and Jeff Blanchard for putting on such a remarkable event!”

The start up team at GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster continued their fundraising with a fun Bingo Fundraiser! “Our Vendor Bingo Fundraiser was a lot of fun and a great success! Thank you to all who supported GiGi’s through the event!” We are so thankful for communities that gather around these start up teams and use their time, talents and treasure to build their GiGi’s Playhouse!

Every week amazing volunteers all over the country (and in Mexico) give of their time and talent to offer one on one, no cost, Literacy Tutoring. This little peek into a no cost literacy session from GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne made us all smile. “We had a blast reading Sink or Float during one-on-one literacy tutoring today. We worked on fluency, comprehension, science, and fine motor skills. Learning is so much fun!”  Click HERE to get a peek!

GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines just opened their GiGi’s Studio. “GiGi’s Studio offers a variety of one-of-a-kind, handmade and heartfelt art pieces and home décor created by individuals with Down syndrome. Adults with Down syndrome from our GiGi University Career Development program will be involved in running ALL aspects of the business including artwork and graphic design, production of fused glass, packaging, customer service, community outreach, and sales. If you’re searching for the perfect gift or want to make a piece that is uniquely yours, look no further than GiGi’s Studio.” How exciting is that! Click HERE to see the media coverage.

Penny Wirtjes from GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford is a finalist for the Excalibur Award. This award was established by the Rockford Register Star in 1971 to annually honor an individual whose outstanding community service and commitment have made the Rock River Valley a better place to live, work, and raise families. Bravo, Penny we are thankful for all you do for GiG’s and your community!

Right here at GiGi’s Playhouse Inc. we are so thankful for the wonderful students from The Northwestern Dance Marathon! They have become fast friends and heres to us all! They have all become advocated for individual with Down syndrome and it has been and will continue to be a real joy to work with them.

YOU! We are thankful for you! The many faces and voices that make us this amazing and always growing family! Your stories, your smiles, you advocacy inspires us each day to continue the work. Knowing this journey involved all of you means we are never alone and that our friends is something to be very thankful for.

Much love to all of you!

#generationG #gigisstrong #biggerbetterstrongertogether

As the holiday season is just about to begin, we invite you to kick it off with #GivingTuesday! On this global day of giving back, you can impact families who rely on GiGi’s Playhouse. Help us give the gift of no-cost programs and a lifetime of acceptance to our children and families!

GiGi’s Playhouse aims to raise $10,000 between 12:01am and 11:59pm on #GivingTuesday. BONUS! Through the incredible generosity of The Coleman Foundation,  gifts made on #GivingTuesday itself will be matched up to $10,000!

For GiGi’s Playhouse, funds raised on #GivingTuesday will support vital programs like 1-on-1 literacy and math tutoring, speech and language therapy, and career training.

Near and far, wherever you are, you can participate in #GivingTuesday! Join the worldwide movement and help redefine the giving spirit this holiday season!

For your convenience, donations can be made online. To do so, please visit GiGi’s Playhouse,Giving Tuesday. Thank you for supporting our families!

Now go enjoy those leftovers!

educate.inspire.believe