#GenerationG in the 843 – Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2024!  

#GenerationG is a worldwide movement that goes beyond Down syndrome and sends a global message of ACCEPTANCE for all. The core values of the #GenerationG movement are to be ACCEPTING, be GENEROUS, and be KIND! Each month, we will feature a story about individuals in our local Charleston community who represent those values.  

Our April 2024 story spotlight is shining bright this month as we reflect on events that brought our community together and filled our hearts with joy for World Down Syndrome Day 2024: The City of North Charleston Rock Your Socks Cornhole TOErnament and Drayton Hall Elementary WDSD celebrations!  

“Live it•Love it•Accept it” were the vibrant words displayed on the shirts of attendees at the Rock Your Socks Down Syndrome Awareness Day TOErnament. Mayor Reggie Burgess, The City of North Charleston, and participants from all ages, abilities and backgrounds came together to enjoy a friendly competition and comradery to raise money for GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston. The event provided an opportunity for meaningful connections to be made, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within the community.  As Trista Kutcher, local business owner of Trista’s Sunshine Company explains it best, “I love to show everyone that we’re made of and it’s three chromosomes and I am proud. All these people– it means a lot and I like them so much. To create a good team, and we all get together for a very fun day for World Down Syndrome Day. It was wonderful and I love this opportunity that you guys fixed this up to meet lots of new people and it’s wonderful. I love cornhole so much and I just love this sport. Please support all for World Down Syndrome Day; who have crazy socks and crazy hair and just go out there and show everyone what we’re made of! Go Down syndrome! It’s not about me, it‘s everyone…all included together and have a great time and we’re having fun.”    

Mayor Burgess and President Marie Myers of GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston

Leah Coppo, Outreach and Volunteer Management for GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston

 On the other side of town, Drayton Hall Elementary School rocked their crazy socks to celebrate differences on World Down Syndrome Day! The day was complete with a parade with some of our favorite Bobcats in PIC1 and PIC2 classes, along with our amazing guest speakers. Big thanks to Gabby Meyer, Sam Hazeltine, and Katie Smith for educating our friends and sharing your achievements throughout your journey, but most importantly, reminding us that different is not less. Lynze Sikes mom of Carly Sikes read “Different A Great Thing To Be” to all of the kindergarten classes. It was a great day of celebration! 

Drayton Hall Elementary Parade for WDSD

Parents and members of GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston attending Drayton Hall Elementary’s WDSD celebrations!