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A word from the Chief Belief Officer, Nancy Gianni
Sometimes, it’s hard for me to believe how far GiGi’s Playhouse has come. What started as a crazy dream has turned into something truly remarkable — the 61 Playhouses we’ve opened are proof of that. This year, we have something truly special to celebrate: 10 Playhouses are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of opening their doors.
I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone. I’m so grateful to the founders, volunteers, donors, families, and the communities who have supported these Playhouses. Spreading our global message of acceptance, these supporters have enabled us to provide our free therapeutic and educational programming to more families! I know how challenging it is to constantly raise money in the hopes of serving others, and that’s why I’m so impressed by these Playhouses! My goal is for GiGi and I to celebrate with a “10 years, 10 Playhouse” tour this year!
As the years continue, the milestones keep coming for GiGi’s Playhouse because of all of YOU! Whether you’re a family, donor, participant, volunteer, or supporter, you’re helping us change the world and give a voice to this incredible community!
Please take a moment to read our February newsletter and learn more about how our entire network is fostering a more accepting world. I’m so proud of what we’re accomplishing, and I’m so grateful to have you all by our side as we continue making history!
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
‘GiGi’s Journey’: a magical adventure for all ages
Did You Know?
Over 1500+ elementary schools and teachers have introduced Harry Moon books and their important themes to young readers!
Magical creatures, interdimensional portals, evil mayors, and... GiGi’s Playhouse? GiGi’s Playhouse is partnering with Harry Moon Books to release a new collaborative book, ‘GiGi’s Journey!’ Set to launch later this month, ‘GiGi’s Journey’ is a magical, whimsical story aimed at young readers ages 7 to 12. The book features magic, adventure, and a charismatic main character... who just happens to have Down syndrome.
‘GiGi’s Journey’ will introduce GiGi (modeled after the real-life GiGi Gianni), a character with Down syndrome, as a main character into the beloved world of Harry Moon. This first-of-its-kind book will also bring a brick-and-mortar GiGi’s Playhouse into the fictional town of Sleepy Hollow.
The book is an entertaining, thrilling read that also has the potential to make a meaningful impact. ‘GiGi’s Journey’ presents a heartwarming story of friendship, bravery, and the beauty of embracing individual differences. It will allow children worldwide to gain meaningful exposure to Down syndrome and GiGi’s Playhouse, ultimately helping foster a more inclusive and ACCEPTING world!
Though ‘GiGi’s Journey’ will not be released until later this month, you can pre-order the book here.
Spring forward with new skills — GiGi’s Educator Symposium is here
Want to learn more about our Educator Symposium? Read this blog here!
It may not feel like it, but spring is (almost) here—which means it’s the perfect time to level up your skills and learn something new! GiGi’s FREE online Educator Symposium is taking place on Saturday, March 8th. Occurring twice a year, GiGi’s Playhouse Educator Symposium is an online workshop that provides teachers, aides, therapists, and more with proven strategies to effectively support individuals with Down syndrome, and it even provides continuing education credits!
While GiGi’s Educator Symposium provides teachers with tools they can use immediately, it’s a tremendous resource for EVERYONE — parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, neighbors, and more!
There’s still time to register for this FREE symposium.
¡Vamos! LMNOP en Espanol brings families together
Inclusive. Accommodating. Accepting. These are more than just trendy buzzwords; these words guide our network of Playhouses. In addition to advocating for the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, our Playhouses work to serve their communities in the most inclusive way possible.
Our Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) Program en Espanol at our National/Hoffman Estates Playhouse is proof of this. Recently, our National/Hoffman Estates Playhouse started hosting an LMNOP class that’s entirely in Spanish. Hosted once a month, “LMNOP en Espanol” allows newborns and toddlers to develop the language and communication skills they need — now in Spanish! This program enables our National/Hoffman Estates Playhouse to better serve their community by bringing Spanish-speaking and non-Spanish-speaking families together to learn colors, songs, and strengthen community bonds!
Our National/Hoffman Estates Playhouse is not alone. Several of our Playhouses, including our Raleigh, Fox Valley, Deerfield, and Virtual Playhouse, have programming that caters to the Hispanic community!
Sunbelt Rentals: from local partner to national impact
At GiGi’s, our corporate partnerships are like relationships, and like all good relationships, they have the potential to grow. Sunbelt Rentals initially partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island and made an incredible impact on a local level, but Sunbelt realized they could help GiGi’s make an even bigger impact.
We’re thrilled to announce that Sunbelt Rentals is a national sponsor of our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge! While Sunbelt will still maintain a close partnership with our Long Island Playhouse, as a national sponsor, they will send their employees from across the country to different GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge events to help us spread inclusion and acceptance!
We’re so grateful for this partnership with Sunbelt! Interested in learning how your business can help GiGi’s Playhouse foster a more accepting world? Learn more here!
Rising to new heights – GiGi's Playhouse Denver helps participants gain confidence
Sarah Jane’s legs trembled. She hesitated. This was her first time trying a high ropes course, and she was unsure what path to take. But Sarah Jane was determined.
At GiGi’s, our programs help our participants break out of their comfort zones. Sarah Jane, a participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Denver, is a perfect example of this. Sarah Jane recently signed up for a Teen Tastic outing to Boondocks Amusement Park. On the surface, the outing promised to be a fun day, but it was incredibly impactful for Sarah Jane. She tried a high ropes course for the first time — no small feat. Sarah Jane had strabismus (crossed eyes) surgery as a baby and typically struggles with depth perception and balance, especially on uneven ground.
But with the support of GiGi’s, Sarah Jane stepped out of her comfort zone and completed several challenging paths on the rope course! Some of her friends came out and cheered Sarah Jane on from the ground as she maneuvered through the ropes course. By the time the day ended, Sarah Jane was truly sad for the Teen Tastic outing to end.
We’re so proud of Sarah Jane for trying something new and realizing how capable she is! We’re also so thankful that through important social programs like Teen Tastic, our Denver Playhouse is helping their participants get out into the community and gain confidence!
Breakthroughs happen every day at GiGi’s
And you can be a part of them. It might sound intimidating, but you don’t need a doctorate or advanced degree to make a difference at GiGi’s Playhouse — all it takes is a positive attitude and a warm heart.
Josh, a volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, exemplifies this. Josh joined GiGi’s as a volunteer in the fall of 2024, helping out in our Teen Tastic and Fantastic Friends social programs. He quickly made a big impact. Josh’s ability to connect with participants of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities has created a fun-filled atmosphere every week. Whether he’s cracking jokes, leading games, or getting creative, Josh brings energy and joy that all Nashville’s participants feel. His presence has helped build meaningful bonds and shows that anyone with the right attitude can make an impact at GiGi’s.
Want to make an impact like Josh? Click here to learn how you can volunteer at GiGi’s.
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st!
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re celebrating all March long! Make sure to follow along with us on social media so you can celebrate with us!
A Little Something Extra
New Podcast Episodes Weekly!
The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is back for 2025!
Learn how you can participate and become a GFAC champion in 2025 here!
Check out the latest from our blog
Still need the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? We’ve got you covered?
Purchase your very own extra chromosome necklace! GiGi’s Playhouse created the My Extra Chromosome campaign to honor those born with” a little something extra.” This sleek, timeless necklace is ideal for everyday wear and is an incredible way to show your love for the Down syndrome community! It also makes a great gift for World Down Syndrome Day and Mother’s Day!
With every necklace purchased from the GiGi’s Playhouse Chromosome Collection, Diamonds Direct will donate 20% back to GiGi’s Playhouse to help us expand our FREE programming. Click here to buy this elegant chromosome necklace!