World Down Syndrome Day Full Recap
World Down Syndrome Day Full Recap: A Record Breaking Day World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is March 21. It is a day of global awareness which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of...
Ogden Elementary School Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
Kenny, the celebrity at Ogden Kenny is in the 1st grade at Ogden Elementary School. It didn't take long before he won the hearts of the student body and faculty members. As he walked down the hall, the other students greet him with high-fives or fist bumps and call him...
Taking a Break from the 5K in 2019 to Focus on Dance-A-Thon
To All Our Chicago Playhouse Families and Friends, We wanted to let you know about a change we are making at the Chicago playhouse. We have decided to not participate in the Regional 5K this year. As most of you are aware, the Chicago playhouse has its own Chicago centric...
World Down Syndrome Day 2019
Mission: Include Everyone! This year's tag like #LeaveNoOneBehind and our constant strive to live a #GenerationG life have one major theme in common: inclusion. We all have an individual with Down syndrome in our life who has improved who we are in many ways. When he is included on the...
EPIC Participants visit Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed
Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed The adults who attended the last EPIC program met at Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed. They ordered dinner and observed potential job opportunities at a restaurant. We often take the skills needed to select, order, and pay for a meal at a restaurant for granted....
Fantastic leaders for our EPIC Program!
Meet Our New Program Leaders! We have 3 great young women leading our new EPIC program for adults. They have worked hard making plans for the participants and we know they will really have a positive impact on the lives of our adults with Down syndrome. Christina, Julie, and Paige...
Best of All at Teen Programs
Welcome to GiGi's Playhouse Chicago! Ximena and her family visited the playhouse for the first time last Wednesday afternoon. After taking a tour and learning about all the programs, her mom enthusiastically asked, "When can we start?" Ximena is a teenager so we said, "Tomorrow! We have our teen programs...
i have a Voice Gala, Nothing Short of Spectacular!
Great Times at the Gala! The doors open to the banquet hall and immediately you're greeted by the biggest smiles and high fives. Individuals with Down syndrome have lined the red carpet to greet all the guests as they make their way into the ballroom. A welcome like that is...
Bid From Your Couch!
2019 i have a Voice Gala is Here! We are truly disappointed that you weren't able to join us at the big event tonight but you can still participate in the fun! You can lend your support from the comfort of your own home by bidding on any of these...
EPIC, our new Adult Program!
Empowerment Participation Independence Community When you hear the word "epic" we hope you think of other words like "grand", "glorious", and "outstanding". When we picture the capabilities of adults with Down syndrome, we think EPIC! It's no secret to us that our participants are grand or outstanding, but now it's...
Vivica A. Fox to Host GiGi’s Chicagoland Gala!
We are thrilled to welcome actress, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Vivica A. Fox as our 2019 GiGi’s Playhouse Chicagoland Gala host! Also, we are pleased to announce Patti V. Vasquez from WGN Radio as our emcee. Musical guests, 7th Heaven will be there again this year to rock the dance floor! Join...
Gallery Debut In The News
GiGi's Playhouse Chicago Returns to Gallery Victor Armendariz Bruce Dempsey, the program leader and retired Art Professor, helped the Art Explosion! program participants put their spin on classic pieces like Edvard Munich's "The Scream" and Vincent Van Gogh "Starry Night" to name a few. His love and dedication to the...
