Posts by Mandy Drakeford

Are you looking for creative, local holiday gifts? We have some fun ideas for you! Our ambassadors at Genesis Health Bar can make custom mugs for your friends, family or colleagues. Genesis Health Bar also offers holiday catering options. Take advantage of our deals through Dec. 31, 2020: Buy $75 worth of gift cards, get…

GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers announced eight prestigious awards at its 2020 National Leadership Conference, held virtually from Wednesday, Nov. 4 to Saturday, Nov. 7. Nearly 500 people from 60 GiGi’s Playhouse locations and startups in the United States and Mexico joined the conference, which boasted a wide-ranging series of speakers and breakout sessions.…

Each month we’re featuring a guest blog post from one of our board members and volunteers! This November, our Board President, Doug Atkinson, shares more about his experience with GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne.  When our first granddaughter Charlotte was born with Down syndrome, my wife, Cindy, and I knew that we wanted to give her…

This month, we celebrate Scott Spray, Safety Director of Modular Transportation Co. as October’s Playhouse Inspiration! This year, Scott planned to participate in the Tour De Plants from SDI after hearing about GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne for the first time. With a transition to a Virtual Velo, Scott decided to pursue a 275-mile solo ride…

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! We’re taking it one step further and going beyond awareness. We’re working all month long to spread ACCEPTANCE for individuals with Down syndrome. Here are 21 ways you can take action this October! Volunteers make the magic in our playhouse possible. Join us for our October Volunteer Orientation to learn…

  On Monday, September 28, four students gathered in GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne, marking the start of the Fall 2020 GiGi U semester. These students will strive towards independence during this 15-week instructional program. GiGi U is designed to motivate adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in the real world while developing their…

As Ambassador Dave entered the GiGi’s Genesis Health Bar this morning, he exclaimed, “finally!” when he saw our reinvented salad bar. While for many the salad bar means a healthy option for lunch, it means so much more to our ambassadors. With the re-opening of our salad bar this week, we’re reminded of the importance…

The GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne Board of Directors recently named Mandy Drakeford as its new executive director. Drakeford, a nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations, and digital communications, will manage and direct GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne’s operations, fundraising strategy, marketing campaigns and community outreach. “Mandy’s professional background,…