What is GiGi’s Playhouse?

Quincy Bane has been coming to GiGi’s Playhouse for years. Recently, she had to give a speech on a non-profit for her high school drama class, and she chose to talk about GiGi’s! We loved hearing about the different programs Quincy was a part of, and how she has been impacted by her experiences at GiGi’s. You can watch her speech here, or read the transcript below.

My name is Quincy Bane and my topic is GiGi’s Playhouse. Hopefully my speech will persuade you to try out GiGi’s Playhouse.

What is is GiGi’s Playhouse? It is a place where kids and adults with Down syndrome can learn and have fun.

GiGi’s Playhouse was started by a mom named Nancy Gianni. She had a baby named GiGi who has Down syndrome. Nancy wanted to start a center where she could help other kids with Down syndrome and their families. When I was little, I used to go to the very first GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. They had a playgroup where we played games and did arts and crafts. It was fun!

GiGi’s Playhouse now has 31 locations in the United States and Mexico and they have lots of programs, not just playgroups. They tutor kids in math and reading and they have lots of different social groups and activities to help kids gain skills and pursue their dreams.

They also have opportunities for us to volunteer and help other families. We can write letters to new parents of babies with Down syndrome. We congratulate them and tell them all about how awesome our lives are.

Last year Nancy Gianni won a CNN Hero award for all she has done to grow GiGi’s Playhouse.

GiGi’s now has a location in Chicago. It’s on Lincoln Avenue near Irving Park Road. I love participating in activities there. I used to be in GiGi’s drama program. I played Juliet in Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”, which I just saw last Saturday at Navy Pier. My favorite part as Juliet was the dying scene. Here, let me show you. . . .

Right now I participate in a fitness class where we do yoga. My favorite pose is the penguin pose. Let me show you . . .

I’m also in a program called “Teen Tastic” where we made posters that describe ourselves—our likes, our fears, our dislikes and our plans for the future.

I like GiGi’s Playhouse programs because I get to meet other people with Down syndrome and spend time with my friends. And the activities are really fun.

Last Saturday GiGi’s Playhouse had a big fundraiser where Mario Lopez was the celebrity guest of honor. I didn’t go, but I bet it was a lot of fun.

In conclusion, GiGi’s Playhouse is a fun place that encourages friendships and learning. Even if you don’t have Down syndrome, it’s a great place to volunteer. You can participate in fun activities and meet new friends. And you can get volunteer credit hours for graduation.

Go GiGi’s!