Honoring a Decade of Dedication: The 2025 Fargo Legacy Award

GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo recognizes two individuals whose unwavering commitment has transformed lives, built a community of acceptance, and created a lasting impact.

The Legacy Award is given to those who have dedicated ten years of service to advancing the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse—to change the way the world views Down syndrome and promote global acceptance.

This year, we are honored to present the 2025 Fargo Legacy Award to Kristin and Matt Nelsen, the visionaries and founders of GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo.

A Vision That Became a Reality

Over a decade ago, Kristin and Matt set out to create a space where individuals with Down syndrome and their families could feel supported, empowered, and celebrated.

Kristin remembers that journey beginning with a small group of parents and a big dream—a dream that has now grown into an incredible community of love and inclusion.

“Never did I think when I brought the idea of GiGi’s Playhouse to our small group of parents 12 years ago that it would lead to this—a room full of people in disco clothes, in an airplane hangar, celebrating a movement that has changed so many lives.”

A Legacy of Strength and Dedication

From day one, Kristin and Matt have shown an unmatched determination to ensure GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo would thrive.

At the Playhouse’s grand opening ten years ago, Kristin had spent the night before in the emergency room. Despite every reason to rest, she was there for that ribbon cutting—demonstrating the strength and passion that has defined their leadership ever since.

Kristin and Matt’s journey began with the birth of their son, Birk. Like many parents, they started out feeling uncertain, even alone. But rather than retreat, they built a community of support, education, and empowerment—not just for their family, but for hundreds of others.

“What we have learned along the way is that we live in a community full of people who care and support the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. It is humbling to realize that so many—people who do not even have a family member with Down syndrome—believe in this dream of acceptance for all.”

Gratitude for the Journey

As they accept this Legacy Award, Kristin and Matt reflect on the incredible journey that has led to this moment:

💜 To their fellow parents and families, who stood beside them in the early days and helped make GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo a reality.
💜 To the community of volunteers and supporters, whose generosity and dedication fuel the mission every day.
💜 To their own family, for the unwavering support that has made this journey possible.

Kristin also shares a deeply personal reflection on faith, perspective, and gratitude:

“I want to thank God for bringing Birk into our lives. We have learned so much about perspective and appreciating the little things that really are the big things in life. What started as a scary path has turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. God knew the plan for our life better than we could have imagined.”

A Lasting Impact

Kristin and Matt’s legacy will live on, not just in the walls of GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo, but in the lives of every family they have touched. Their vision created more than just a physical space—it built a movement of acceptance, joy, and possibility.

Because of Kristin and Matt, families who once felt alone now have a place to belong. Children who were once underestimated are now celebrated for their incredible potential. And the world is learning, more and more each day, the power of unconditional love and inclusion.

💜 To Kristin and Matt—thank you for your courage, your passion, and your belief in a world where everyone is valued. The Fargo Playhouse exists because of you, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.