GiGi Fest 2022

Last Sunday the National Playhouse hosted their 19th annual GiGi Fest for everyone to stop by for some popcorn, pony rides, fun, and games! There was something for the whole family to enjoy! Everyone had a smile on their face and a craft to take home. We were so grateful for nice weather and everyone…

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GiGi’s Annual Golf Outing

This week GiGi’s Playhouse hosted their annual Golf Outing, and we could not be more thankful for everyone attending and coordinating this event. Originally, the golf outing was scheduled for August, but due to weather conditions we had to reschedule for October 10th and what a perfect day it was! The day was filled with…

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Get Your Toddler Moving in GiGiFIT

In GiGiFIT Toddler we are make every movement fun! From walking, crawling, rolling, to running, jumping, and bouncing! In a fun environment we are purposefully progressing on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, and joint stability. Our exercises are created by a physical therapist and are specific towards 3 to 5 years…

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Healthy Meals and Memories!

Met our awesome GiGi’s Adult Kitchen volunteer Ana! Hi! My name is Ana Higgins and currently I have the privilege of leading the Gigi’s Kitchen adult classes this summer as part of my dietetic internship. To tell you a little bit about myself, I am from Clarendon Hills, Illinois and I acquired my undergraduate degree…

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The Power of Purposeful Programs!

 “GiGi’s to me means two things… 1. Community and 2. Hope. It’s a community for us as parents, to learn from, rejoice with, and even cry with if need be. They understand all the joy and challenges that come with raising our beautiful children! It’s also a community for our children, both with Down syndrome…

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Community moves together for ACCEPTANCE!

The sun and smiles were shining on June 5th, 2021 when our community came together to celebrate our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. This was the first time in over a year that GiGi’s had seen some of our participants and their families. From tossing the football with the retired football players of Chicago to hot shot…

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Meet our new Volunteer Rachel!

        We are excited to introduce our new Destination Discovery leader and math tutor Rachel Wartell! Rachael will be entering her junior year of college at the University Of Illinois. Her major is special education and minoring in communication. In her free time Rachel enjoys going to the beach, making s’mores at…

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Lucy is my “WHY” and Will Forever Be!

Getting a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome is scary.  Most obstetricians do not present this diagnosis in a very positive light; my experience was like they were breaking devastating news to me.  My husband and I were left feeling frightened, uneducated, and alone.  I started to research support groups and immediately found GiGi’s Playhouse.  From…

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What a Blessing to be back!

“What a Blessing it is to be back in the Playhouse” mom Alicia Fox commented after her son Van’s first GiGiFIT Toddler class. February 5th we safely launched In -Person programs back in the Playhouse.  Families were excited to attend their favorite programs such as Destination Discovery, GiGiFIT Toddler, GiGiFIT Kids, and LMNOP. “Dominic is…

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Positive Impacts at GiGi’s!

All of our purposeful programs at GiGi’s Playhouse have impacts on participants, families, and volunteers that we can’t even imagine! Jay is one of our incredible young participants and his mom shared the impact that GiGi’s has had:  The moment you walk into GiGi’s Playhouse, you can feel the love and kindness that permeates the room. GiGi’s is a place where friendships are made, and a lifetime of…

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