In Loving Memory of Howard (GiGi’s Jolly Santa)
For the past 4 years, Santa has visited GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis to spread holiday cheer. This Santa was the real Santa - one with a sack full of stuffed animals, a real beard, and a naughty or nice list. The participants loved seeing Santa and he always seemed to know...
Volunteer Spotlight – Lynne Markowitz
This month - we are recognizing someone who has gone above and beyond for GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. Lynne Markowitz started volunteering at GiGi’s about two years ago after retiring from Anne Arundel County Public Schools where she worked in the Special Education department. She was involved with a variety of...
A Note From a GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Self-Advocate
Dear GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis, I am a dancer, Disney lover, Olympic swimmer and….. I happen to have Down syndrome. I have been a part of Gigi's Playhouse since the beginning in 2017. You are probably thinking, "that is a long time, Alicia!" You're right, but it feels like just yesterday...
Volunteer Spotlight – J.P. Hedges
As many of you know, volunteers are the heartbeat of GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis. Whether it be helping us write birthday cards, providing support for one of our purposeful programs, or spending an hour a week to be a literacy or math tutor, we appreciate every minute that our volunteers give...
2022 Gala – A Night to Celebrate the Dreams and Achievements of Individuals with Down syndrome
June 10th, 2022 -- GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis made a splash at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel at our 2022 Gala. Roughly 250 guests, including our GiGi's family and community members, joined us for a night that honored our participants and all of the magic that happens here at the Playhouse. As...
Have YOU tried Friends, Fun, & Fitness: LaBlast Dance?
Robert Wallop, one of GiGi’s Annapolis’ very own, brought his dance expertise into the homes of every GiGi's participant around the world who signed up for the online experience. As of Wednesday, May 4, from 5:15-6:00 p.m. EST, and each Wednesday thereafter, Robert is achieving his goal of bringing his...
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Lee Walls
Every Wednesday during the Amina Grace Speech and Language Session, GiGi's is a hub of non-stop, purposeful programming with the Playhouse dedicated to providing families 1:1 Speech Therapy. We are incredibly grateful for a partnership with Loyola University Maryland/Loyola Clinical Centers and the dedication of on-site Faculty Supervisor Mary Lee...
GiGi’s Birthday-In-A-Bag Team Delivers Smiles!
Let's celebrate YOU, especially in a pandemic! As my friends and peers struggled to figure out how they were going to give back to the community and earn their National Honor Society hours during a pandemic, I never had to think twice. Immediately, I knew I...
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes!
Alicia, GiGi's Intern and Fantastic Friend, had a dream she carried in her heart... to produce a dance program! Alicia shared that she grew up in a musical family, "My Dad plays the piano and he and his brothers had their own band, my brother was involved in musical theater...
GiGi Prep Career Development Program Launches in Annapolis
Kevin proudly shares his GiGi's Prep certificate. According to research, adults with Down syndrome have an unemployment rate that vastly exceeds the national average. Only 3% of adults with Down syndrome are employed full time, and only 57% have paid employment (1). At GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis,...
GiGi’s National Leadership Conference 2021
The GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis Team had jam-packed, well-spent five days with staff, volunteers and supporters from around the GiGi's Playhouse Network at the National Leadership Conference in the Chicago-area . Coming together and sharing ideas with 257 attendees, 85 speakers, 78 sessions, 77 countries, 61 locations, 5 days, all with...
Volunteer Spotlight: Barb DeCheubel
Barb is an amazing volunteer; she steps up wherever and whenever needed, she even changed her travel plans to help GiGi’s with the Navy Stadium Concessions Fundraiser! Wow, what a generous person! Barb has volunteered in support of many of our programs including GiGi Prep, Art Explosion, Fantastic Friends, International...