We invite you to join us for our grand opening celebration! On Saturday, May 17, 2025, (2 pm – 4 pm) we will open our doors, first with a party, and then to begin delivering the FREE purposeful programs to individuals with Down syndrome and their families that we've been talking about for so long! With special guests including Nancy and GiGi Gianni, the founder of and inspiration for GiGi's Playhouse, come tour the playhouse and celebrate what our community has built! We are nothing without our supporters, donors, and families!
Our Story
In 2002, Nancy Gianni, the Founder and Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, gave birth to her daughter, GiGi. When she received the diagnosis that GiGi had Down syndrome, her fears, coupled with the negative reactions of the medical staff, made Nancy believe that her life, as she knew it, was over. Nancy soon realized that GiGi could do the very same things that her other children do! What began as a mother’s vision to change perception, and maximize her daughter’s successes, has evolved into a global movement of acceptance that is changing lives every day. With over 61 open playhouse and startups across the United States and Mexico, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston will playhouse 62 in the network and the first playhouse in South Carolina!
Our founding story at GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston started much the same way. Three years ago, seven determined moms of beautiful children with Down syndrome embarked on a journey to bring the very first GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center to South Carolina. They worked hard, grew their team, made community connections and raised funds to make this dream a reality.
Our playhouse is located in the heart of North Charleston at 1213 Remount Road, only a few miles away from 526 and I26. Our beautiful 4200 sq ft facility will be a place to learn, grow, and celebrate. Our participants and families will know they are not alone, a safe and secure place full of love and acceptance. A place that feels like home!
Our architect, Mike Nixon with M Nixon Designs, has designed a beautiful and functional space to support our programming. The playhouse has a large multi-purpose space to include a stage area, three learning labs, a large classroom, and a full kitchen to include washer and dryer. Our General Contractor, Linden Construction, has been amazing to work with. Our friends at PMC Commercial Interiors have generously donated their talents and most of the furnishings for our beautiful playhouse. We are so grateful for their guidance throughout this process and support in our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome!
Founding Partner
Room Sponsors
Platinum - $10,000
Migliori’s Pizzeria – Cafe G Kitchen
In honor of Jill Migliori
South Carolina Federal Credit Union Family Room & Learning Lab
Anonymous –Technology Equipment
Gold - $5,000
Croghan's Jewel Box - Therapeutic Play Area
In memory of George P. Ramsay, Jr
The Ramsay Family – Classroom/Multipurpose Area
In memory of Mary Loretto Croghan Ramsay
Kevin and Gene Carpenter – GiGiFit Area
In honor of Elizabeth Carpenter
John and Kimberly Jenkins and Melanie Wyatt – Learning Lab
In honor of Charlotte Jenkins
Heather Simpson – Learning Lab
In honor of Gabriel Simpson-Hughes
Silver -$2,500
The Moehlman Family – Stage
In honor of Alex Moehlman
Johnson Lambert – Foyer
Bronze - $1,500
Watters Law Firm – Resource Library
In honor of Carson Watters
Tommie and Marie Myers – Sensory Area
In honor of Cameron-Jean Myers
Brian and Amy Reis – Site Manager’s Office
In memory of Riley Zane Reis
Room sponsorships are a great way for individuals, businesses and foundations to directly impact the participants and families that GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston will serve. Your generous gift will help us provide life-changing programs and support our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome. Click the link below for more information.
In-Kind Donations
