It Happened in 2021…
2021 was one for the books. GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough began the year socially distanced, meeting virtually, and eagerly waiting to once again meet in person. Our participants and volunteers made a lot of great memories this year, but here are a few that stand out!
The 7th Annual Gala went Virtual!
Unable to gather in person due to COVID, Board Members, participants, parents, and even Liz all gathered virtually to celebrate the 7th Annual, a Party on Top, Pajamas on the Bottom Virtual Event. The 35-minute-long program included many of the elements we all love about our traditional gala–including moving speeches, fun baskets to bid on, awards, entertainment, and participant highlights. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and basket bidders, we were able to raise critical funds during a very financially challenging time, while also celebrating all individuals with Down syndrome and their incredible contributions to the world.
The benefit of the event being virtual is that, like our programs, it was 100% FREE to attend, and it still lives on for anyone to “attend” on YouTube.
In-Person Programming Returned!
In July, GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough re-opened for in-person programming! Participants and volunteers alike were welcomed back, with a few precautions. While we continue to mandate masks and program attendance is limited, the Playhouse has remained a safe space for all our families and friends.
Welcome Columbia University!
This year we welcomed four masters’ degree candidates studying occupational therapy at Columbia University. In the spring, Arianna and Lauren organized the return of TEAM and EPIC, during which they worked one-on-one with our older participants in helping them strengthen skills for independence. In the summer, interns Emily and Samantha not only continued support for TEAM and EPIC but also formed and started our Gratitude Committee and worked with our younger participants in Playhouse Pals.
Our 1st Golf Outing!
In September GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough hosted its inaugural golf outing, Golf Fore GiGi’s. Thanks to the hard work of our committee, the event sold out and raised over 150% of our fundraising goal through sponsorships, registration fees, and donations. Most importantly, this event enabled us to introduce GiGi’s to an entirely new audience, critical for expanding our message of global acceptance.
Looking ahead to 2022, we have so many exciting events and partnerships on the horizon!
We are excited to gather in person for our 8th annual gala, The Magic of GiGi’s, on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the East Brunswick Hilton. For the first time, our entertainment will be a live band, The Nerds.
This spring we will welcome occupational therapy doctoral candidate Alex from University of the Sciences as he will conduct a 6-week study on the correlation between literacy skills and social interaction. Stay tuned for more details.
We will also host a 5K/1 Mile Walk this spring and our 2nd Annual Golf outing in the fall.
We are all Stronger Together!
Help is always needed at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough! There are three ways you can help:
- Volunteer! Sign up to attend one of our upcoming volunteer orientations and find out how you can be a part of a 99% volunteer run organization.
- Donate! The Playhouse has a running wish list on our website. We are always appreciative of monetary donations too!
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn! By liking and sharing our posts, you are helping to expand our reach to others.
Thank you everyone who has continued to believe in our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. Without your support, we could not envision a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities. Together we will make 2022 the Year of GiGi’s!
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