Volunteer Spotlight
Brenna Mazzara, Ballet InstructorBallet Theatre of Maryland We are thrilled to spotlight Brenna Mazzara, our dedicated volunteer ballet instructor associated with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Brenna's commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering environment through ballet is commendable. Her engaging sessions foster self-expression and movement, providing participants with joy and...
Ready…Set….Race for Acceptance! 🏃
Join Us for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge: Supporting Inclusivity and Wellness with GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis! Join us at Quiet Waters Park on April 6th for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge hosted by GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis! This event is not only a celebration of fitness and inclusivity but also a vital fundraiser...
Volunteer Spotlight Spreading Smiles: Karleigh and GiGi’s Playhouse Birthday Cards
Ever wondered about the person behind GiGi's Playhouse Birthday Cards? Meet Karleigh—a joyful volunteer making a difference one birthday card at a time. Her journey with GiGi's Playhouse began with a love for shared experiences and family support, driving her to discover the inclusive community at GiGi's Playhouse. Karleigh, the creative...
Celebrating Achievements at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis
GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis is thrilled to extend sincere congratulations to Miryanna, Alex, Jakob, Stephany, Cassidy, and Elizabeth for successfully completing the GiGi U Program! Their dedication and hard work throughout this semester have been truly commendable, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements. A special acknowledgment goes out to...
Best of All – The August Family
Todd August, Olivia's dad, celebrated his retirement this past month by asking his co-workers and company partners to donate to GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis. He shared handouts about GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis with many of his colleagues and helped spread the word about the organization. What an amazing way to celebrate such...
Volunteer Spotlight – Amanda Lane
WOW - Amanda has been a part of the GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis family for 3 years now. She is currently the program leader for Playhouse Pals and Kids Club, a Saturday class for ages 5 to 12 years that supports the development of social skills and language through peer to...
Volunteer Spotlight – Claire
GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis is honored to introduce a volunteer who has gone above and beyond for our Playhouse. Claire started volunteering with us last year and has been a literacy tutor for the past two sessions. She also is on the 2023 Youth Board and created a pop up basketball...
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...