A Golden Surprise: Celebrating Giving Hearts Day & the Exciting Road Ahead

As we bid farewell to February and step into an exciting March, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for a golden surprise that will elevate GiGi’s mission and expand our free program offerings for individuals with Down syndrome.

Thanks to YOU, we met our Giving Hearts Day goal of $70,000—and just when we thought the day could not get any better, we received an incredible Golden Ticket from Gate City Bank at 10 p.m.! This unexpected, generous boost will have a lasting impact, fueling our commitment to changing perceptions, breaking barriers, and fostering global acceptance for all.

This victory is not just ours—it belongs to our entire community. Giving Hearts Day once again proved the unwavering kindness of our region, with over 600 charities benefiting from an outpouring of generosity. Your support inspires us to dream bigger, set bold expectations, and create lasting change.

March is Here—Let’s Rock Our Socks!

With the momentum of Giving Hearts Day behind us, we are ready to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st! We’re teaming up with Designer Genes and Target to spread awareness across North Dakota with #NDRocksSocks.

👣 Wear your wildest, craziest socks to start conversations and show your support.
🍩 Stop by Sandy’s Donuts, where 10% of all sales on March 21st will be donated to GiGi’s Playhouse!
📢 Join us at our awareness table at NDSU Memorial Union as we share the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse with the community.

Milestones Worth Celebrating

February wasn’t just about fundraising—it was filled with milestone moments that remind us why we do what we do:

💃 Our first-ever Sweetheart Dance—a magical evening made possible by Sweet Beats DJ, Shanley High School Women’s Basketball Team, and Soulshine Photography.
✏️ The launch of “Little Fingers, Big Plans”—a handwriting and fine motor skills program designed by our incredible intern, Izzi, as her capstone project.
🚗 GiGi’s on the Go expanded to Oakes—bringing even more families the life-changing impact of GiGi’s Playhouse in their own communities.

A Decade of Difference—And We’re Just Getting Started!

The biggest celebration of all? Our 10-year anniversary! 🎉

We are officially kicking off A Decade of Difference at our annual gala on March 29th, where we will Disco for Down Syndrome and celebrate the lives, friendships, and milestones that have shaped the past 10 years. This event will be the talk of the town—so don’t miss out!

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support is changing lives and creating a world where individuals with Down syndrome are embraced, empowered, and celebrated.

With gratitude,

Heather Lorenzen
Executive Director, GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo

📢 PS: Read more about Gate City Bank’s commitment to Giving Hearts Day and the Golden Ticket surprise! → Read More Here