GiGi’s 5K Team Spotlight: Callie’s Crew and the power of sharing
Every team that shows up for the GiGi’s 5K Dash for Down Syndrome brings something special, but some teams remind us just how far a little visibility, connection, and heart can go. This year, Callie’s Crew did exactly that.
Named for their vibrant and determined 11-year-old daughter, Callie, this team has been a familiar and beloved part of our 5K for years. But in 2026, something simple turned into something powerful.
As part of this event’s fundraising efforts, teams who raised at least $321 by March 1 received a yard sign featuring a QR code linking directly to their team page. Callie’s Crew proudly placed theirs in the yard and what happened next was a beautiful reminder of how community shows up in unexpected ways.
Callie’s school bus driver noticed the sign and later handed Callie’s mom, Erin, a $10 bill to support the team. He shared that his niece in Nashville, who has Down syndrome, is about to graduate high school. In that moment, a sign became a connection—one family’s story reaching another’s, united by shared experiences and hope for the future.
And it didn’t stop there.
Neighbors, curious and inspired by the sign, began scanning the QR code and contributing to Callie’s Crew. What started as a fundraising tool quickly became a conversation starter—spreading awareness, building connections, and inviting others into Callie’s world.
Even more meaningful, Callie’s school community showed up in a big way. After years of searching for the right educational fit, her family has found supportive educators who truly see and celebrate her. This year, one of her teachers joined the race, while another made a donation—powerful gestures that speak volumes about inclusion, belief, and belonging.
When asked why they participate, Erin shared that Callie “always tries hard and loves to learn,” describing her daughter as having “the sweetest smile, a sparkle in her eye, and a spunky spirit that always adds a bit of spice.” That spirit shines brightly in everything Callie does from the classroom to the racecourse.
At GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta, Callie’s favorite program is GiGiFIT, where she can move to music alongside friends, building strength, confidence, and joy with every step. It’s just one of the many ways she gives her “Best of All” each day.
For Callie’s family, GiGi’s Playhouse is more than a place; it’s a cornerstone of their community. As Erin shared, “Being a part of GiGi’s Playhouse is so special and a huge part of Callie’s world. We’re so thankful for the friends and community it provides.”
Callie’s Crew reminds us that impact doesn’t always start with grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a yard sign, a shared story, or a small act of kindness, and grows into something truly meaningful.
Join us in celebrating teams like Callie’s Crew by getting involved: whether that’s forming a team, donating, or simply sharing our mission. Together, we can continue building a more accepting, connected, and empowered community for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
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