Namaste at GiGi’s Get Fit
GiGi's Get Fit is a fun-filled fitness program for teens and young adults that focuses on promoting strength, coordination and endurance through introduction to yoga, interval training and dance amongst others. This session we have been learning about yoga and its role in promoting strength, endurance and flexibility. Some of...
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...
RibFest2017 Volunteers Needed
It's RibFest Time! Volunteer at RibFest. Earn money for GiGi's Playhouse Chicago! We have two shifts on Saturday, June 10th: GATE - 2:30–6:30 pm and/or 6:00–10:00 pm ID LINE - 2:45–6:45 pm and/or 6:30–10:15 pm BEVERAGE - 2:45–6:45 pm and/or 6:30–10:15 pm VIP TENT - 2:45–6:45 pm and/or 6:30–10:15 pm KIDS...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jenny Popova
Purposeful Programming: How do we do it? GiGi's provides purposeful programming for all ages. We have an amazing team of highly qualified and passionate volunteers who lead our programs. Our spotlight this month is on Jenny Popova, an occupational therapist (OT) who runs several programs for GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago....
GenerationG: Be Generous
GenerationG is generosity in action. The heart and soul of GenerationG is all about HELPING PEOPLE. Every single day, people who commit to #GenerationG will take actions to be better: Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind. See No Differences. Have Someone’s Back. Challenge Yourself. GiGi's Chicago sees GenerationG in action everyday We were running low on...
Art Explosion – A new program for teens
Art Explosion is off to an amazing start! The teens at GiGi’s are bursting with creativity and enthusiasm. Spontaneous singing and dancing jams are expected and encouraged by teens, their parents, and volunteers. When Bruce Dempsey, MEd, BFA, a Chicago artist, approached GiGi’s to start an art program, it...
New Windows, New Playhouse
Shalimar Beekman, an award-winning Chicago photographer who specializes in children’s photography, recently took the photos for our new windows. She spent over seven hours photographing twenty-four individuals! Because Shalimar prefers to use natural light when possible, she took the photos in her amazing light-filled loft. We are so grateful to...
#learningtips : learners with Down syndrome
six tips to help learners with down syndrome be their #bestofall. Our friends at gigi’s playhouse quad cities originally shared this post. Children with Down syndrome are capable learners, excited and eager to learn. They just need to be given the opportunity to excel! Though these students may learn at a...
The GiGi’s Impact- A Volunteer’s Story of Connecting Through Down syndrome
We recently received an email from a past volunteer, sharing a recent experience she had! Read her story below: Amy's Story "My name is Amy and I volunteered with your team a few years ago. I was with reading and math tutoring and with the teen drama performances. I currently...
Miracle Maker, Michael Mazek
A HUGE thank you to Michael Mazek for donating four iPads and a smart TV to GiGi’s Chicago! Mike is the founding attorney at Mazek Law Group, a private boutique firm located in the North Center neighborhood that provides high quality legal representation at affordable rates. While out for a...
Jeans Day a HUGE Success!
Patrick Hurley became aware of GiGi's through talking with family friends, the Foley family. Ryan Foley volunteers at GiGi's and also joined the GiGi's Playhouse Chicago's Junior Board this year. As a result of Patrick's discussion with Ryan, he organized a "wear jeans to work" day for his...
Wish List Wednesday (Updated)
***DECEMBER 19TH, 2016 - UPDATE*** ***THANKS TO MANY GENEROUS DONORS WE HAVE RECEIVED THESE WISH LIST ITEMS!!*** We are working on the finishing touches of the playhouse and have put together a list of our current needs. We are so thankful for everyone's support and we are getting so close!...
