#WishListWednesday – Our Biggest Wish

On #WishListWednesday we give thanks to all of our families and friends who have generously donated items from our wish list.   A pop-in visit from Nancy Gianni and her son, Franco, yesterday reminded us what our BIGGEST Wish is:  Acceptance.

Nancy’s Message                      

Nancy and Franco attended the Chicago Cubs Charities luncheon to honor GiGi’s Playhouse and other great charities.    While there, Nancy spoke to other guests about inclusion and how we can get OUR individuals front and center.  To ensure lasting acceptance, we must show the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities.  Most of all, Nancy seeks every opportunity for our individuals to be front and center.

Will You Help Us?

Our biggest wish is to help spread understanding, awareness and empowerment to and for individuals with Down syndrome and the community.  Through our free programs, we EMPOWER families by maximizing opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance.  We need your help!   Together we can foster more acceptance and greater opportunities.    Let’s get started!

How to Help

It’s simple, really.    Actions speak louder than words and acceptance starts with taking action.   Here are some ideas on how you can help us spread our global message of acceptance for all:

• Sign-up for our 5K on Sunday, June 10th.   You can sign-up to run, walk, or dash or as volunteer.
• Did you already sign-up for the 5K?  Thank you!   Be sure to create and then share your story with your friends, family and co-workers.   Let them know why you took action!
• Help us find corporate partnerships.  We have a few families who have created teams for our 5K and could use a “boost” from a corporate partner.    The partner would share the family’s story within it’s organization and help build the team with their employees.
• Do you have any leads for summer placement opportunities?  Share them with us!
• Donate supplies and other items so we can continue to offer FREE educational and therapeutic programming.   We always are in need of gift cards to grocery stores (Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Mariano’s, etc) for our programs and events.  We also always welcome Amazon, Office Depot, or Staples gift cards to purchase office and program supplies.
• Bring a friend, co-worker, relative, or anyone to the playhouse!  We LOVE giving tours and love to show people firsthand what we do.  Schedule a tour today!
• Dance WITH Us on September 22nd at our 4th Annual Get Down With Down Syndrome Dance-A-Thon.   Put the date on your calendar now.   Registration will open in June.
• Share our stories!  Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Together, we can make a difference.   If you have any ideas not listed, let us know!  Reach out to Amy with any questions or to schedule a tour at aarcher@gigisplayhouse.org.