GiGi’s and Waukee Schools
GiGi’s Playhouse is proud to serve more than 200 participants each month that tally more than 400 hours in programs like new family caregivers group, one-on-one tutoring and fitness classes. This helps us realize our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global...
A Playground We Deserve
I grew up in a great neighborhood, filled with kids my age (to go along with my six brothers and sisters). We were lucky to have a vacant lot right next to us which served as a Kinnik Stadium, Wrigley Field, the Summer Olympics, or even the State Fair midway...
Introducing Junior Iowa Miss Amazing!
GiGi’s Playhouse is a Down Syndrome Achievement Center that celebrates a “Best of All” philosophy. But that’s not limited to achievements inside our facility. And 21-year-old Madisyn (“Maddz”) gives us plenty to celebrate outside of it. Maddz was recently named Junior Iowa Miss Amazing at a pageant held in Urbandale....
A Very Special Christmas Gift
Last week, I learned that the mother of a great volunteer of ours found the perfect Christmas Gift for her daughter: a very generous donation to GiGi’s Playhouse made in her honor. After a bit of research into the many GiGi’s Programs that her daughter led, the mother and I...
There’s No “Standing Outside the Fire” for Joel
This is 46-year-old Joel. He is one of the first participants I met at GiGi’s Playhouse. He participates in four different programs: GiGi’s Kitchen, Music Makers, Fantastic Friends and one-on-one tutoring. He is as gentle, kind and caring a soul as you will ever meet. At our Fantastic Friends Halloween...
Hollywood Walk of Fame in Windsor Heights
When the City of Windsor Heights approves our own “Hollywood Walk of Fame”, I have an idea of the first star that will be immortalized on it. It will be to honor a man about whom I heard many stories before I finally met him at an afternoon of GiGi’s...
Thank You!
Anyone who sets out to write a blog in the month of November undoubtedly feels an obligation to make it about giving thanks. Call it a seasonal thing. But honestly, I find myself writing about thanks less because of the Thanksgiving decorations that are on display all around me and...
New Friend Friday!
For this Blog, I’m going to steal a feature from my personal social media posts that I call “New Friend Friday”, where I introduce a GiGi’s participant to my personal network. I do that to give my family, friends and professional acquaintances an idea of the impact that we make...
A Message From Our Executive Director…
I’ll never forget my interview with the team from GiGi’s Playhouse, and the first impression that this place gave me. Even though it was quiet with no activity on site, the beauty and whimsical atmosphere of the Playhouse “had me at hello”. I could only imagine how different the welcome...
GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines Havana Nights Gala raises over $200,000!!
What. A. Night!! We are still smiling about this incredible, INSPIRING evening! Our 2024 Havana Nights Gala was absolutely amazing, and with the help of our generous sponsors and attendees, we raised over $200,000!! HUGE thank you to our amazing sponsors, our fantastic Gala Committee and volunteers, our rockstar DJ,...
Jumping Back into Free Summer Programming at GiGi’s Playhouse
With school out for the summer and everyone looking for some fun activities to beat the heat, GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines is a great place to go. From weekly programs, to daily kids camp, our playhouse has programming for every age and ability, birth through adulthood. Of course, families, friends,...
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center receives $6,500 grant from Variety- the Children’s Charity
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center receives $6,500 grant from Variety- the Children’s Charity GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center has received a $6,500 grant from Variety- the Children’s Charity to fund the development and implementation of GiGiCREATE, a FREE pottery and ceramics program to help kids with Down syndrome develop...