The 60th Playhouse: GiGi’s Playhouse – Simi Valley Opens its Doors
It started as a dream.
Four years ago, three months into a global pandemic, Kirsten Riddick and Cara Armstrong, two mothers of children with Down syndrome, came together. Their idea was simple: create a social group for their children with Down syndrome, ideally close to their homes in Simi Valley, CA.
What followed next is what happens in today’s world: research, research, research – most of which they did online. In this research, Riddick and Armstrong stumbled across something…
GiGi’s Playhouse.
Riddick and Armstrong were inspired by GiGi’s FREE programming for all ages and the organization’s mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome, but more so, emboldened by the credibility of GiGi’s Playhouse. Boasting more than 55+ Playhouses (at the time) across the US and Mexico, Riddick and Armstrong immediately saw the organization’s sustainability, and they became resolute.
They knew Simi Valley NEEDED a GiGi’s Playhouse.
Armed with this knowledge and determination, Riddick and Armstrong did what we do at GiGi’s Playhouse — they got to work! First, they needed to assemble an army of people just as committed to making their dream a reality and bring a GiGi’s Playhouse to Simi Valley. Through word of mouth and Facebook groups, they did just that. Soon, the duo expanded into a group of 12 determined moms.
These 12 moms worked tirelessly over the next two years to build awareness, rally the community, and raise funds. As more people became aware of GiGi’s Playhouse and its business model, successfully replicated across the nation, they realized that Simi Valley needed a GiGi’s Playhouse.
In 2022, two years after this mission began, the Simi Valley Board of Directors was formed, further solidifying their efforts. With more numbers at their side, they hosted multiple fundraisers and community events in hopes of securing enough money to open a physical location.
The team was extremely successful. In 2023, Simi Valley’s GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC) event raised over $100,000, making it the fourth largest GFAC fundraiser across all our Playhouses — and this was all done without a brick-and-mortar location!
Beyond their successful events, the Simi Valley Playhouse received an incredible anonymous donation of $100,000 this year, which helped propel them to find a location, begin construction, hire a Site Manager, and of course, finally open their Playhouse this Saturday, August 17— four years after setting out on their journey!
So many people bought in (literally) and made GiGi’s Playhouse – Simi Valley a reality. They saw the inherent need, but they also saw the real-life value that GiGi’s Playhouse provides to communities all over!
All those who joined the GiGi’s Playhouse – Simi Valley team started a grassroots movement. They raised awareness and mobilized the entire community, while being bolstered by the credibility and sustainability of the GiGi’s Playhouse network and business model. As a result, the Simi Valley Playhouse is opening its doors, serving the community, and becoming the 60th Playhouse that GiGi’s has opened!
Thanks to the initial vision of Riddick and Armstrong, and the determination and collaboration of the entire community, GiGi’s Playhouse – Simi Valley is open for business and ready to change countless lives!
Think you have what it takes to organize a grassroots movement? Click here to find out how, with the National Office’s support and proven roadmap to success, you can create a legacy that lasts a lifetime and bring a GiGi’s Playhouse to your community!
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