Gala 2016: I Have a Voice to Empower

Another successful I Have a Voice Gala is now behind us. This year’s theme of empowerment was evident by parents’ stories of their child’s success at our various programs, a Volunteer of the Year award and its first recipient, a moving speech by a beloved self-advocate, and much more.

Almost 400 people joined us at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on February 20 for our 3^rd annual gala. Volunteers greeted us and worked in a variety of ways throughout the night. Once again, we aren’t sure where we’d be without the kindness of volunteers. Guests enjoyed GiGi-tinis at the open bar and perused the amazing silent auction items donated by so many generous friends. Thank you for buying wine at the wine pull and buying necklaces for the heads and tails game which you played in the hopes of winning a diamond necklace donated by our friends at Smith’s Jewelers.

Having been open for more than a full year, GiGi’s Indy was able to award our first annual Kathleen Yohe Volunteer of the Year award (named for our dear friend, the first Indianapolis Playhouse Volunteer Coordinator, and a consummate volunteer herself). Our first recipient, Chuck Robinson, has become invaluable to us in many ways and we are so grateful for his service.

Thank you to our emcee, Naomi Pescovitz and speakers Sara Hart Weir and Jessica Green. We enjoyed the testimonies of parents, volunteers, and sponsors. And it was because of your overwhelming generosity and the generosity of our amazing sponsors that the evening was a huge success. This success allows GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis to continue to provide free educational and therapeutic programs to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

The night concluded with music and dancing with the Rory Connolly Band. Thank you also to our photographer Bill Christie (we’ll be posting his pictures to Facebook), MapleLeaf Printing Company, Markey’s Rental and Staging, Mays Entertainment, Kyle Meehan, Smith’s Jewelers, Rebecca Valentine, our Spotlight Speakers, volunteers, gala planning committee, silent auction donors, and sponsors.