Spreading the Word 

Staff and volunteers from GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis spread the word about the free programs at the Playhouse by hosting information tables at various other organization’s gatherings.  Spring is a particularly busy month.  GiGi’s representatives visited Spaulding High School; Indian Creek School; the Best Buddies Friendship Walk at the University of Maryland, College Park; and Adaptive Maryland Day at Promise Landing Farm.  The next outreach day will be June 7 at the First Sunday Arts Festival in Annapolis. Volunteers are welcome.  Contact the Playhouse office at 410-517-7474.

Best Buddies Friendship Walk 

On Saturday, May 2nd, Annamarie, a volunteer, Joey, one of our adult participants, and Mary Lee, a Playhouse staff member, represented GiGi’s at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk held at the University of Maryland. “The moment the GiGi group arrived, we observed that the  energy was so intense, we could literally feel it,” according to Mary Lee. 

Friends familiar with GiGi’s and those new to GiGi’s visited our table to make connections, pick up our May program calendar and information pamphlets, or to decorate miss-matched socks, a widely recognized symbol of Down syndrome acceptance and inclusion.  Active Best Buddy teams from elementary and middle schools located close to the Playhouse connected with GiGi reps during the event. “We look forward to furthering our partnership opportunities to best serve those with disabilities in our community and to increase awareness of the capabilities of our participants,” Mary Lee said about the event. 

GiGi’s and Best Buddies Maryland will partner to offer a five-week leadership and advocacy class at GiGi’s, Tuesdays, May 12th to June 9th, led by the Best Buddies.  The Ambassador program kicked off with a session on finding your leadership style, led by Amber Yates, Best Buddies program coordinator for Maryland. This program is a wonderful opportunity to partner with Best Buddies and offer this program for GiGi’s adult participants who are ready for the next step in their ongoing educational pursuits. 

Indian Creek and Spaulding High Schools 

Service-learning hours are a high school graduation requirement, and some schools make the requirement easier to meet by holding information fairs where various organizations are invited to provide information about service opportunities. 

Outreach with students from Indian Creek and Spaulding High Schools provided the  opportunity to connect with young leaders who are interested in service. “Their interactions reflected genuine compassion and a strong commitment to supporting the differing abilities community,” according to Pauline, GiGi’s executive director. “It was encouraging to see students approaching their service hours with intention and care, reinforcing the importance of building awareness and inclusion across the next generation.”

Promise Land Farm, Maryland Adaptive Day

Maryland Adaptive Day at Promise Landing  Farm is a day where families of children and adults with differing abilities can enjoy a day of fun activities while meeting representatives from a variety of organizations that offer programs and services of interest. The sprawling farm with its pristine stables, sunshine and camaraderie, a balloon-twisting clown, music and family-friendly activities all combined for a great time.  GiGi’s volunteers Annamarie, Chloe, Charlene, and the Dowling family joined Executive Director Pauline to provide information about GiGi’s Annapolis.

The event was particularly effective in bringing resources into one centralized location, making it easier for families to explore available supports. “Several families shared that they had recently been introduced to GiGi’s Playhouse at the Buddy Walk the day before and were excited to reconnect, reinforcing the importance of consistent visibility and follow-up engagement,” commented Pauline about the day’s experience.