{"id":141918,"date":"2025-04-04T12:11:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T16:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/?p=141918"},"modified":"2025-05-01T12:12:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T16:12:31","slug":"from-socks-to-smiles-to-miles-march-madness-at-gigis-playhouse-atlanta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/uncategorized\/from-socks-to-smiles-to-miles-march-madness-at-gigis-playhouse-atlanta","title":{"rendered":"From Socks to Smiles to Miles: March Madness at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">March was bursting with energy, inclusion, and community spirit at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta, and we\u2019re so excited to share the highlights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>World Down Syndrome Day \u2013 A Day of Love, Awareness, and Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On March 21st, we joined the global celebration of <strong>World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)<\/strong> with joy, gratitude, and a whole lot of crazy socks! Families, friends, and supporters came together to honor the uniqueness and potential of individuals with Down syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several of our GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta families traveled to the <strong>Georgia State Capitol<\/strong>, where they proudly represented our community and witnessed a special <strong>proclamation being signed to officially recognize World Down Syndrome Day<\/strong>. It was a powerful moment of advocacy, visibility, and unity!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2772\" height=\"2079\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141920\" style=\"width:397px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited.jpg 2772w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/WDSD-at-the-capitol-edited-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2772px) 100vw, 2772px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A huge shoutout goes to <strong>McAlister\u2019s Deli<\/strong>, who partnered with us for a <strong>WDSD fundraiser<\/strong>, generously donating a portion of sales from both their Roswell and Midtown locations to support our free programming. Thank you for making the day even more impactful and for standing with our community!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141921\" style=\"width:320px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/mcalisters-3.21.25-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Program Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout the month, our Playhouse was full of meaningful, inclusive programs designed to support every age and ability. Some of our favorite March moments included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leaps &amp; Bounds<\/strong> \u2013 Our younger participants were all smiles as they practiced motor skills through play-based learning. Watching friendships grow in these sessions is always a highlight!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Teen Tastic and Fantastic Friends<\/strong> \u2013 Our teens and adults shined as they engaged in themed social nights, games, and group discussions. These programs continue to build confidence, connection, and independence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LMNOP (Language, Music N\u2019 Our Peeps)<\/strong> \u2013 Our youngest participants and their families sang, signed, and played their way through early communication skills in a warm, welcoming space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1225\" height=\"1584\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141924\" style=\"width:288px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara-edited.jpg 1225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara-edited-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara-edited-792x1024.jpg 792w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara-edited-768x993.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Laara-edited-1188x1536.jpg 1188w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1225px) 100vw, 1225px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An Incredible GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With so many new families creating teams plus our tried and true families returning, we had another fabulous 5K at Grant Park! <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/uncategorized\/gigifit-acceptance-challenge-2025-a-movement-for-acceptance\">Read all about our fun run here!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/04\/Aiden-and-ATC.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"413\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Aiden-and-ATC-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141922\" style=\"width:468px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Aiden-and-ATC-edited.jpg 413w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/Aiden-and-ATC-edited-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of this would be possible without our incredible <strong>volunteers<\/strong>. Whether you&#8217;re leading programs, prepping materials, greeting families, or supporting behind the scenes, your time and heart make a lasting impact. We are so grateful for your dedication and enthusiasm\u2014you are truly the heartbeat of GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/volunteers.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/volunteers.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141925\" style=\"width:395px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/volunteers.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/05\/volunteers-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we step into spring, we\u2019re filled with excitement for what\u2019s next\u2014more connections, more learning, and more joy. Thank you to everyone who made March so meaningful. Together, we are changing the way the world views Down syndrome and sending a global message of acceptance for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/sfcalendar\">Program Calendar<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for being part of our incredible community!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>March was bursting with energy, inclusion, and community spirit at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta, and we\u2019re so excited to share the highlights! World Down Syndrome Day \u2013 A Day of Love, Awareness, and Support On March 21st, we joined the global celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) with joy, gratitude, and a whole lot of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1619,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[29,387,389,381,52],"class_list":["post-141918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-29","tag-downsyndrome","tag-downsyndromeawareness","tag-gigisplayhouseatlanta","tag-world-down-syndrome-day"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1619"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141918\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}