Press Release
GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE DOWN SYNDROME ACHIEVEMENT CENTER COMES TO DETROIT
Grand Opening set for Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 1-4 PM
January 21, 2019 (DETROIT) – GiGi’s Playhouse, whose mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all, is hosting its 41st grand opening from 1-4 PM, Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 19799 W 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48076. The new Detroit location offers free programming in areas of education, fine and gross motor development, social, speech and language skills.
The opening event will feature a ribbon cutting at 2 PM, Playhouse tours and door prizes. GiGi’s Playhouse Founder Nancy Gianni will be attending with her daughter GiGi whose namesake adorns every Playhouse location. GiGi was born with Down syndrome in 2003 and is the motivation behind the creation of the Playhouses.
Special guests include former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, WXYZ Channel 7 Reporter Ann Marie LaFlamme and Joey Radio from 95.5FM. Calley is a noted disability advocate who was instrumental in several policy changes impacting students and individuals with disabilities. Ms. LaFlamme and Joey Radio are devoted supporters of the disability community. They both donated their time to emcee fundraising events and were early champions of GiGi’s opening in Detroit.
All across North America, GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center, provides FREE life-changing programming such as one-on-one literacy and math tutoring, speech therapy, fitness classes, career training and more for children and adults with Down syndrome.
“Our program participants continue to change the way people view Down syndrome through their amazing self-confidence and skills,” said Gianni. “The Grand Opening in Detroit will be our 41st location in North America. Attending the Grand Opening will be a wonderful and important opportunity to support our individuals and families, and also a great opportunity to learn more about the work we do. Helping children and adults at GiGi’s Playhouse extends beyond the Down syndrome diagnosis. If you believe in a kinder and more accepting world, and believe in helping others, then GiGi’s Playhouse is the place for you.”
“In the early spring of 2017 an amazing group of parents banded together with the goal of creating more opportunities for their kids. It didn’t take long before the realization hit that what we were doing was so much bigger than our own children. Families from all over metro Detroit have come out to show their enthusiasm for the much-needed programming and services GiGis Playhouse will provide,” said Lisa Kocab, GiGi’s Detroit Board President. “We are beyond thrilled that after countless hours of raising money, holding events, building out our space and spreading our message of acceptance for all that we are now opening our doors as the first Playhouse in Michigan,” she added.
GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit and local volunteers will further the mission of bringing positive and accurate information about Down syndrome to metro Detroit and surrounding communities. If you would like to donate or volunteer, email detroit@gigisplayhouse.org. Down syndrome is a diagnosis, not a destination. You are invited to be a part of the journey at GiGi’s Playhouse as it continues to strive for excellence and change the way the world views Down syndrome—one child, one diagnosis and one community at time.
GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit is located at 19799 W 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48076 and can be reached at 248-557-9899 and detroit@gigisplayhouse.org .
ABOUT GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE
GiGi’s Playhouse is the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, with 41 brick and mortar and pop up locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world. Every day, GiGi’s Playhouse provides free, life changing therapeutic, educational and career training programs for 30,000+ individuals of all ages. Down Syndrome is the largest chromosomal disability in our country and yet, it is the least funded. From prenatal diagnosis to career skills, GiGi’s makes a lifetime commitment to remain by their side, empowering families with the tools their child needs to exceed.
Through free programs and the Generation G Campaign for global acceptance, GiGi’s helps maximize opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. The program helps advance a vital social impact goal by showing the world what individuals with Down Syndrome are capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities. For more information about free programs, volunteerism, impact partnerships, events, and the many ways to support our families: visit www.gigisplayhouse.org .
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Media Contact:
Lisa Kocab
248-225-5616
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