GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Hosts 7th Annual Dance-A-Thon

On December 5, 2021, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago had the pleasure of hosting one of our favorite annual events, our Dance-A-Thon with a virtual attendance option – all in effort to raise funds for an incredible cause! This was our 7^th annual Dance-A-Thon and we are so grateful to our board members and committees for planning this fantastic event. Thanks to those at DePaul College Prep who hosted us, families and friends of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago were able to dance the night away while supporting the programs and mission that we all hold so dear to us.

The event began on the dance floor with everyone showing off their skills and jamming out to the amazing musical selections of DJ Marcel. Attendees got creative and formed Conga lines, had dance battles, and even got up on stage to show off their moves! We also had the pleasure of hearing from our beloved Board President, Jenny Popova as well as a few of GiGi’s Playhouse young adult participants, Quincy, Colleen, and Emily, who we are so grateful to have known over the years and to have as interns this past summer. They spoke about what they love most about our Playhouse, and there were even a few tears. Attendees also had the opportunity to bust a move alongside The King himself and a Playhouse fan favorite, Hugo’s Elvis! He performed all his hits, as well as some holiday tunes! The crowd went wild. Elsa and Anna from Frozen also made an appearance, and the kids could not believe they came all the way from Arendelle to party with them. As the afternoon came to a close and we had danced all we could, one final surprise guest was able to make the long trip all the way from the North Pole! You got it; this year’s Dance-A-Thon was host to Santa himself! Attendees got to meet with Mr. Claus and he even brought presents! By the time the night was over, the GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Board was ecstatic to report that all our combined efforts and participation in the silent auction, raffles, and donations had raised over $30,000 for GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago’s services and programming!

Thanks to fundraising efforts like this, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is able to provide free programming and services for such incredible families in our community. Of course, this event would not be possible without significant contributions from our wonderful sponsors as well as the tireless efforts of the GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Board Members and volunteers who so graciously sacrificed their time to ensure this event was the most fun it could be for our friends! A huge thank you to our event sponsors, The Chicago Trading Company ($10,000), the Pradd family ($5,000), the Bates family ($2,500), Dentistry for Children and Families ($1,000), Jolene Wise ($500), and Jackie Schmit ($500).

We can’t wait to see you all next year at our next Dance-A-Thon! Keep practicing those dance moves and thank you to everyone that joined us for a fun-filled day.