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A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni
Hello GiGi's Change Makers!
Can you believe we’re already at the end of 2025?! Every year I sit down to write this letter, and every year I’m blown away by what YOU make possible for our GiGi’s families!
What a year it’s been. You’ll read throughout this newsletter about record-breaking growth: more program hours, more new families, and more lives touched than ever before. And it’s all truly incredible. But here’s the part you won’t see in all the incredible highlights we’re sharing…
While everything at GiGi’s has grown—our programs, our reach, our impact—one thing hasn’t grown at the same pace: our funding.
And I think it’s important to be honest with you about what that really means.
Rising costs and declining donations mean we are feeling real pressure. The only reason every single program remains 100% FREE is because of people like you who believe in acceptance, opportunity, and giving our kids and adults the tools they need to succeed.
I know the end of the year is crowded with worthy causes. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for even thinking of GiGi’s.
When you give here, your gift becomes something real—one-on-one tutoring that builds confidence, adult programs that protect minds and bodies, volunteer training that opens doors for those on our waitlists, and the pure joy and belonging families feel the moment they walk through our doors.
Please consider making a gift at the end of this year; your support truly keeps this mission alive.
Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
Our growth in programs and participation
- 400,000 hours of FREE programs (17% increase over 2024)
- 7,690 hours of FREE programs each week
- 34,400+ families served
- 60,000 hours of free one-on-one speech, literacy, and math provided
- 28,000+ hours of GiGi’s Kitchen programming delivered
- 360+ new families joined GiGi’s on average every month
- 6 continents where individuals with Down syndrome receive 1:1 tutoring
- 95 countries served virtually
- 1,030 attendees from 10 countries participated in the GiGi’s Educator Symposium through live and on-demand sessions
- Piloted and launched GiGi’s STEM, a new program integrating science, technology, engineering, and math to build problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills
- Tech initiatives to improve efficiencies and family experience
- Lowered the cost to support each participant through scale
- Still 99% volunteer-led programs, powered by trained volunteers driving GiGi’s record-breaking growth and impact
Expanding the GiGi’s Reach
- Opened our 62nd Playhouse, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston
- 87+ million social media impressions in 2025, reaching more families and supporters than ever—a 224% increase across our network
- Launched GiGi’s Journey with Harry Moon Books, breaking new ground by bringing a lead character with Down syndrome and a real GiGi’s Playhouse into the beloved Harry Moon universe
- GiGi and Nancy Gianni spoke at the United Nations ahead of World Down Syndrome Day
- Launched the GiGi’s X MLB tour in partnership with MLB player Jake Burger and The Burger Family Foundation to bring MLB players and teams to multiple Playhouses across the country, spreading awareness and acceptance
- Issued and released the third issue of #GenerationG Magazine, amplifying the stories and voices of the Down syndrome community
- Released our 2025 Impact Report, highlighting our achievements and growth
- GiGi Gianni launched her ‘Born to be Heard’ speaking tour, speaking on the value of her life and the inherent value of all individuals with Down syndrome
- NFL players Jacob Monk, Walter Rouse, Tyrell Shavers, and analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick supported GiGi’s Playhouse through the #MyCauseMyCleats campaign
- Attended the AOTA and ASHA national conventions to strengthen our volunteer pipeline and expand awareness of GiGi’s Playhouse programs
Small steps, big wins: Shep’s story
They said he might not walk. And yet here he is—jumping, dancing, reading, and thriving.
Shep, now 9 years old, has been part of GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego since before it opened in 2018, and his growth over the years is nothing short of inspiring. From Music Maker Kids to Playhouse Pals, Shep’s builds confidence and skills in every GiGi’s program.
But Shep’s biggest strides have come in reading. Through one-on-one literacy tutoring at the San Diego Playhouse, with his tutor Leslie, Shep now knows 40+ sight words and confidently blends letters into sentences.
His mom, Laura, shares how much Shep has grown through GiGi’s, from academic skills like reading to social confidence, including becoming more comfortable in crowds and navigating sensory challenges.
We’re so proud of Shep and can’t wait to see how he continues to grow with GiGi’s San Diego by his side.
Keep the growth going
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on another incredible year at GiGi’s Playhouse. Every program, every milestone, and every breakthrough is made possible by supporters like you. While our reach and impact continue to grow, our funding hasn’t kept pace.
Your gift today ensures that we can keep delivering 100% free programs to every family that needs them. Please consider making an end-of-year gift to keep our mission alive and thriving. Your generosity truly changes lives.
From support to service: Sherry’s journey
Some families come to GiGi’s looking for support, only to realize they want to help lift others, too. Sherry, an incredible volunteer from our Canton Playhouse, is a perfect example... and so is her entire family.
Sherry first connected with GiGi’s Playhouse Canton while five months pregnant with her daughter, Sienna, after receiving a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. She and her partner, Dan, attended volunteer orientation right away, eager to learn and be part of the mission. After Sienna was born, their commitment grew even stronger, and now Sherry’s older daughters both volunteer as tutors.
Known affectionately as Canton’s “queen of holidays,” Sherry leads the magic at every celebration, turning events into memorable experiences for every participant.
Sherry’s family shows how mission grows when families grow with us — and we’re so grateful for their commitment. We also love seeing Sienna thrive as she participates in programs like GiGiFIT and one-on-one speech therapy at the Canton Playhouse.
Want to make an impact like Sherry? Learn how you can volunteer with GiGi’s here!
They believed it was possible… and made it happen
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe — in our participants, in our mission, and in the power of possibility. But we also know the work is hard. Running a Playhouse takes dedication and relentless commitment. Every day, new challenges arise: finding volunteers, securing funding, and making programs accessible to every family that wants to join.
At times, it can feel nearly impossible.
That’s why the story of our Cincinnati Playhouse is so inspiring. Over the past year, their board and team rolled up their sleeves, doubled down on their goals, and worked tirelessly to better serve their community. And their efforts have paid off: a 74% increase in monthly program hours and a 122% increase in volunteer hours.
They didn’t just hope for change; they believed it was possible, and then made it happen.
This year, Cincinnati was recognized as the Core Value Champion for Believe at our 2025 Annual Leadership Conference. We’re proud of their team, their leadership, and the difference they’re making for participants and families every single day. Way to believe, Cincinnati!
Check out the latest from our blog
Receiving a Down Syndrome Diagnosis: What Parents Should Know
