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...
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center receives $12,000 grant from Variety- the Children’s Charity
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center has received a $12,000 grant from Variety- the Children’s Charity to fund the expansion of their wellness program GiGiFIT to include children, teens, and adults. GiGiFit is a FREE fitness program aimed at helping kids with Down syndrome develop lifelong patterns for healthy living....
Farewell to our summer intern, Brooke!
Hello everyone! My name is Brooke Patzner. At the beginning of the summer I made a blog post discussing my excitement as a Summer intern with GiGi’s Playhouse. With it being completely virtual, it was something new we all were getting used to and learning how to navigate various programs...
Destination Discovery and Art Explosion fun crafts of the week!
This week we had so much fun during Destination Discovery and Art Explosion creating some crafts. They were a great way to work on our fine motor skills and creativity! On Monday, for Destination Discovery, our theme was recycled supplies for the outdoors! We made a wind chime out of...
Thank you to our Local Step to Accept Sponsor, Fareway!
Today for GiGi's Kitchen we made pasta! It was great to see everyone participate and enjoy their meal. It is always fun to be in the kitchen and make a delicious lunch! Come join us in the kitchen next week on Tuesday, July 21st for GiGi's Kitchen Teens and...
What is to come after Fourth of July weekend!
Happy 4thof July weekend! I hope you all are staying healthy and enjoy this beautiful weekend! We do not have any Live programs scheduled for this week due to the holiday, but we do have some fun and exciting Live programs scheduled for next week. The following programs will take...
Meet our Summer Intern, Brooke!
Hello! My name is Brooke Patzner and I am a summer intern with GiGi’s Playhouse! I just finished my Junior year at Iowa State majoring in Child, Adult, and Family Services as well as minoring in Psychology. My expected graduation date is for December 2020, so it is approaching very...