What A Year!

A note from our Executive Director | January 2025

As I reflect on the past year, my heart overflows with gratitude, joy, and passion for building acceptance in our community and witnessing our participants and family’s shine. Our team motto this year was “how can we do it better?” This challenged us to raise the bar alongside our families. And together, we exceeded expectations in ways that are hard to capture in words. 

Celebrating Unprecedented Growth

This year, we saw incredible milestones that showcase the strength of our community: 

  • 25 purposeful programs offered for all ages 
  • 138% program participation growth 
  • 16 new families welcomed, while reengaging with those who now participate 2-3 times per week 

We celebrated not only these accomplishments but also the power of coming together to grow and be the best versions of ourselves as individuals and as a community. 


Impacting Lives Through Innovation 

This year was filled with memorable initiatives and partnerships that created a lasting impact: 

  • Community Engagement: Our Playhouse opened its doors to host connection events for local organizations, while students and therapists utilized our space for additional sessions beyond classrooms and clinics, fostering stronger community ties. 
  • Backpack Buddies: Thanks to the Dollar General Summer Literacy Foundation Grant, we introduced this program to help families build literacy skills at home. With 36 families participating and over 90% completing the full 8 weeks, the results were incredible! 
  • Music Makers: Adapt Music piloted a new drumming program, bringing joy and rhythm to our participants and we look forward to making more music this next year. 
  • GiGi’s on the Go: We became Down syndrome advocates across North Dakota, equipping educators with tools for success and empowering schools to foster inclusive education while building medical champions. Our first pop-up location in Oakes, ND, brought together six families as part of a successful pilot program. We are grateful to BCBSND Caring Foundation, FM Area Foundation, and Alex Stern Family Foundation for their generosity and support in meeting families where they are through this exciting expansion of services. 

This year, we were honored to be chosen as the quarter four charity for VNL Cares and a recipient of funds from Mr. NDSU (a fundraiser put on by the NDSU chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority), further supporting our free programs and advocacy efforts. To jump-start our holiday season, we were proud to be one of the 25 charities selected in the FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog, allowing us to extend our impact and strengthen our ability to provide free programs to the community and beyond. 


Celebrating Together 

None of this would have been possible without you. From the unforgettable Derby for Down Syndrome Gala to our first 5k Run for Acceptance with over 40 participants, your support made every moment shine. 


Looking Ahead to 2025 

As we enter 2025, I am filled with excitement for what is to come. From expanding GiGi’s on the Go to offering even more impactful programs and events, the future is bright. 

As we celebrate a Decade of Difference in 2025, we will highlight the incredible impact GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo has made for the Down syndrome community—and our broader community—throughout the year. Vibrant and exciting events are planned, including the Disco for Down Syndrome Gala (tickets are available now), Golf FORE GiGi’s at Oxbow Country Club in July, and our annual GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 5k, Acceptance Walk, Dash for Down syndrome, and Festival, which will align with our 10-year celebration party! 

We also have an ambitious goal of providing 7,000 FREE program hours in 2025, ensuring that every participant and family experiences support, growth, and joy. 

In addition to these celebrations, we are thrilled to launch new programs, including: 

  • Math Buddies: A summer program inspired by the success of Backpack Buddies, designed to build confidence and skills in math through fun, engaging activities. 
  • Art Explosion: A creative program for school-age kids to explore self-expression through art, fostering imagination and confidence. 

With so much more on the horizon, 2025 promises to be a year of innovation, inclusion, and growth for everyone in our community. 


Together, we will continue to empower individuals, inspire acceptance, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in this mission. Here is a new year filled with hope, growth, and endless possibilities! 

Always Advocating, 

Heather Lorenzen, Executive Director

 

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