A Night on the Red Carpet was a Night to Remember
A Night on the Red Carpet Was a Night to Remember
Saturday, November 3, 2018 was no ordinary night. After 6 months of planning, the 2nd Annual Fashionable Gala – A Night on the Red Carpet – celebrated our loved ones with Down syndrome, while raising necessary funds to open and begin offering programs out of the first GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center in Michigan.
More than 350 guests packed the Westin Southfield lobby and Algonquin Ballroom, while smooth jazz sounds provided the background to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, silent auction bidding, and reconnecting with old friends, as well as meeting new ones.
Indescribable joy filled the ballroom as 38 models danced, flipped, waved and charmed their way down the red carpet. Some shared moving tributes to their parents and loved ones. Emceed by the fun-loving Joey Radio of 95.5 FM, the spotlight shined on the kids, teens and adults with Down syndrome, many of whom were provided tuxedos by The Tux Shop on Woodward and dresses from Wish Upon A Teen. Bellagio Hair Salon provided professional hair styling and make up artists to help all of our female models feel like princesses!
The Live, Super Silent and Silent Auction – totaling 87 items – provided some fun competition as attendees tried to not be outbid for their favorite items. From the Detroit Grand Prix Hot Lap Package, to the Detroit City Distillery Tour, to spa, dining and shopping experiences – the Auction was a great success!
Guests generously donated during the dedicated giving portion. And one of the live auction items donated by Adiant – a Red Wings Game Suite for 16 – saw the winning bidder donate the tickets back for GiGi’s families to attend the game! Now that’s #GenerationG in action! (Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind.)
The Board of Directors honored the generous work of Faudie Architecture with the Shining Star Award. Faudie provided architectural guidance and plans for the build-out of our location, and also served as liaison with the City of Southfield for the necessary permits. We would not be as close to opening as we are today without their amazing work!
Additionally, we could not have had such a successful event without the more than 50 volunteers who served and the attentive staff of the Westin Southfield.
Serving Metro Detroit families from centrally located Southfield, GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit will provide free purposeful, therapeutic and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome – of ALL ages – and their families.
Stay tuned for Grand Opening details coming soon.
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