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The Most Memorable 21st Birthday Celebration: GiGiFEST!

The sun was shining, and we saw nothing but smiling faces this past Sunday at GiGiFEST, our 21st Annual Birthday Celebration! Every year, we welcome our families, friends, supporters, and the entire community out to our playhouse in Hoffman Estates. Our birthday celebration showcases to the community all that we...
Gigi's Playhouse

Down Syndrome Awareness Month — Providing the Runway for Acceptance! 

We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is a daily reality.  Individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis...
Nick Kitchen

Have you Heard the News? GiGi’s Kitchen is back at Hoffman Estates!

Here at GiGi’s Playhouse, we strive to create an accepting environment where our participants, families, and supporters can truly feel at home. Our free programs foster an environment of education and success, each program provides a meaningful opportunity to teach our participants independence and confidence. Over the last few months,...
Kiera Gen G

Meet Kiera- a Hugs & Mugs success story!

Kiera is a long time participant at GiGi’s Playhouse, participating in a variety of programs like GiGiFIT Adult, Fantastic Friends, GiGiU, GiGi Professionals, and GiGi Ambassadors. Kiera first joined us over 8 years ago when she began her Career Development Journey. She started GiGiU with the goal of becoming employed...
Shelly and Cheryl

Making an Impact, one GiGiFIT class at a time: Shelly Collins

This month, we are recognizing Shelly Collins, a dedicated mom and volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse. She spends her Tuesday’s and Thursday’s here at the playhouse, guiding our adults during GiGiFIT. We asked her to share a little bit of the impact volunteering has had. “The Down Syndrome community has always...
Aubrey and Isaiah

Swinging for a Cause: Highlights from Our 11th Annual Golf Outing Benefiting GiGi’s Playhouse

As the summer sun fades and the crisp autumn air settles in, we’re excited to share the highlights from our 11th Annual GiGi’s Playhouse Golf Outing, which took place at the stunning Ivanhoe Club in Mundelein, IL. This year’s event was not just a celebration of golf but a meaningful...
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Best of All: Sara Pedicone

Sara has been attending GiGi’s Playhouse before she was even born! At GiGi’s, she has been involved in many of our programs. LMNOP, Leaps and Bounds, Kids Dance, GiGiFIT Kids, speech & Language, math, and literacy tutoring. She will also be attending Kitchen Kids in the fall!  Her recent progress...
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GiGi’s Playhouse and the Impact of Career Development

The GiGi’s Playhouse Career Development programs are designed to give individuals with Down syndrome the skills needed to gain independent employment. Hugs & Mugs is the last step in the career development journey for our adult participants. In Hugs & Mugs, the interns work on a variety of certifications each...
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Meet Farzin: A GiGi’s Playhouse Ambassador

Hello, my name is Farzin and I am an ambassador and self advocate at GiGi's Playhouse. I have attended programs at the Playhouse for 15 years. I am a GiGi U graduate, and I also am a GiGi’s ambassador and a marketing and social media intern.  How did I get...
Fit Pre-schoolers

GiGiFIT Preschoolers: Building Strength and Confidence Through Play 

Summer is here, and at GiGi's Playhouse, we are thrilled to announce that our GiGiFIT Preschoolers program is back in session! This exciting program, designed specifically for preschool-aged children with Down syndrome, promotes motor development and overall wellness through a fun and engaging fitness curriculum.   What is GiGiFIT Preschoolers?  The...
Patrick-and-Farzin-GFAC

Thank you all: 2024 National/Hoffman GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge!!

On June 15, we hosted our annual GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC). The challenge is simple, support our Hoffman Estates location and take part in the festivities. Show your commitment to the inclusion of those with Down syndrome and all unique abilities! With over 450+ participants and volunteers coming out to...
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Why I Run: Team Sassy Savannah and Friends 

GiGi’s Playhouse is thrilled to spotlight Team Sassy Savannah and Friends, who are once again participating in the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. Their unwavering belief in GiGi’s Playhouse and its mission of global acceptance for all drives their dedication and commitment.  Savannah and her family feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded...