Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!
Each year, World Down Syndrome Day occurs on March 21st. This is purposefully done as the THIRD month on the TWENTY-FIRST day signifies the extra copy of the 21st chromosome that represents the genetic makeup of the Down syndrome diagnosis. Though we shout the worth of our “homies with an extra chromie” every single day of the year at GiGi’s Playhouse, on this day we get to shout it even LOUDER alongside the rest of our global community!
You may be asking yourself “How can I celebrate World Down Syndrome Day?” Well, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can advocate and celebrate individually, within your schools, around your community, and at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland! The time to start planning your celebration is NOW!
Celebrate!
Join us for the biggest and best party of the year!!
We invite all participants, friends, families, and volunteers to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland on Thursday, March 21st between 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. We will have music, activities, food, and fun! Rumor has it -similar to last year, our neighboring restaurants will be celebrating with us this year, too! Can someone say “BLOCK PARTY!?”
Please click the link below to RSVP to this party so we can properly plan!
Wear Mix-Matched Socks
By wearing mix-matched socks you are advocating in a fun way because chromosomes look a lot like socks! These funky socks show the world that you embrace differences. It also invites a conversation to talk about how AWESOME and CAPABLE our friends with Down syndrome are!
We invite you to grab your own mix-matched socks or purchase a pair of Pals Socks, as $5 from every pair sold is donated back to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland!
Hold a Fundraiser
Rally your community together to raise money for GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland! We are 100% funded through grants, donations, and sponsorships, and every dollar given to our Cleveland Playhouse stays at our Cleveland Playhouse. We have had local businesses, Girl Scout Troops, and schools create a fundraiser in honor of World Down Syndrome Day!
Here are some successful fundraiser ideas:
- Hold a bake sale!
- Have a coloring contest to create awareness for Down syndrome.
- Collect “Dimes for Down Syndrome” and donate those dimes to the Playhouse!
- If you’re a business, create a special drink or appetizer where a portion of the proceeds are donated to GiGi’s.
- Create your own Celebration Club through our website!
School Tools
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, sibling, or student; we have a curriculum centered around our #GenerationG mission and Down syndrome diagnosis. This curriculum is provided by our National Playhouse, but fun fact – it was created by a local school in Northwest Ohio! We invite you to take this curriculum to your local school or classroom to build awareness and create an accepting environment for all.
In this toolkit, you’ll find curriculums for all ages, posters, activity books, and printouts for a bulletin board!
What a great way to learn how our friends are breaking down barriers and proving their diagnosis does not stop them from reaching their goals!
Invite a Speaker from GiGi’s Playhouse
Contact Lizz Maxwell at the Playhouse to schedule a day and time for her and one of our ambassadors to come and speak to your child’s school or your workplace about the Down syndrome diagnosis. Lizz caters her discussion at the level that’s just right for your child and their classmates to learn about Generation G and have your school take the Generation G Pledge!
Email Lizz today at emaxwell@gigisplayhouse.org
Sponsor an Event
We have two, large fundraisers throughout the year! Our Dash for Down Syndrome in June and our Brews & Beats in November. Now is the time to speak with your company about sponsoring either of these events. There is a sponsorship level for every company. In the past, some sponsors donate their products or services, while other sponsors stick to financially contributing to our success!
Did you know? Our 2023 Dash for Down Syndrome was the LARGEST event in our network of 58 Playhouses. We invite you to play a part in a nationally recognized event!
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email cleveland@gigisplayhouse.org
If you need help brainstorming or personalizing resources for your school or company, please contact the Playhouse! We would LOVE to help! You can email us at cleveland@gigisplayhouse.org or give us a call at (216) 529-3333.
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Hello,
I am looking to buy a Down Syndrome awarness shirt for March 21st . This is for my daughter Renee Quellos. I have searched on Google and Amazon. I was wondering if you could suggest where I could buy one.
Pat Taylor
440-785-4226
Hi Pat! We have some great GiGi’s shirts at the Playhouse! Many of our families and participants wear our GiGi’s gear on 3/21!