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. Her talent? Singing and cooking. And we think we can take a bit of the credit for that, as she’s a regular at GiGi’s Kitchen that meets on Tuesdays. But it’s not just the cooking and wellness through nutrition that she (in part) attributes to her win — it’s the self-confidence that she’s gained here, too. Because without that self-confidence, Maddz would never have entered the pageant. Or even imagined winning.

To her, GiGi’s is about acceptance. It’s a place where she feels comfortable among her peers, and where she can demonstrate another of her talents – being a good friend to others. That includes offering help when she sees someone struggling.

We are so thankful to Maddz for that! And she doesn’t have to wear a sash to prove to us how “Amazing” she is!

P.S. Iowa Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities across Iowa build self-esteem. (Sounds like a perfect partner for GiGi’s, don’t you think?)