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A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni
Hello GiGi's Change Makers!
Like many of us, I’ve been catching up on holiday and end-of-year letters as the new year begins, and one in particular caught my eye. It was from my friend Richard, a grandparent who helped open GiGi’s Playhouse New York and whose grandchild, Louis, has Down syndrome.
His words left me feeling inspired, and I’d like to share them with you:
"But life is what it is — there is triumph and hardship too; it is not one or the other. In short, we do not know the course of our lives. Down syndrome? It wasn’t even a thought for you or for me. But we have dealt with it and will continue to; it doesn’t go away. Fortunately, we have love all around us, and it sustains us more than we know."
Reading this reminded me of why GiGi’s exists. Like life itself, life with Down syndrome is full of challenges, but it’s also full of triumph. Every day, I see individuals at our Playhouses try new things, grow, and celebrate victories, big and small, with families by their side, supporting and persevering together.
At GiGi’s, what we do isn’t always easy. Providing free, life-changing programs and therapies takes an incredible amount of commitment and resources, but one thing guides us: love. Later in his letter, Richard wrote:
“What you have done for us, for GiGi and our Louis, for your family, and all in the world of Down syndrome, is amazing. And the best part is that it is sustainable because it is built on the simple business plan of LOVE."
Richard said it best. GiGi’s Playhouse is built on love. That foundation allows us to show up for our families through all of life’s trials and tribulations.
Here’s to a 2026 full of challenges, growth, and triumph, together!
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
Reflecting on 2025. Committed to more in 2026.
A new year brings fresh energy, new goals, and the chance to build on what matters most. As we step into 2026, we’re excited for what’s ahead, but we’re also incredibly proud of what we accomplished in 2025... together.
Because of our amazing community of donors, volunteers, families, and supporters, last year was full of incredible impact. Here’s a snapshot of what YOU helped make possible:
The GiGi’s Playhouse Impact:
34,400+
Families Directly Served with FREE Programs
400,000
Hours of FREE Programming Annually
360+
New families join GiGi's Monthly
62
Playhouse Locations Opened
95
Countries Served Virtually
6
Continents where individuals with Down syndrome receive our 1:1 tutoring
Now, we turn the page to 2026, ready to do more. More programs delivered. More families served. More opportunities created for individuals with Down syndrome to have a voice.
Thank you for being part of this mission. We’re grateful for what we’ve achieved together and excited to keep building in 2026.
More than math: How Ari is building independence
Numbers are everywhere. They help us tell time, count money, and make sense of the world around us. At GiGi’s Playhouse, math isn’t just about worksheets; it’s about building the skills that lay the foundation for independence.
Ari, a kindergartener at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa, is already discovering that connection. Through our one-on-one Math Tutoring this fall, Ari has made exciting progress, confidently matching numbers to their written words, connecting “1” to “one,” “2” to “two,” and beyond. She’s also learning to write numbers 1–10, compare “more” and “less,” and strengthen her understanding of numerical value, skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
With the dedicated support of her math tutor, Anna, Ari approaches each session with determination and pride, celebrating every new connection along the way.
But Ari’s progress isn’t limited to math. She’s also thriving in one-on-one Literacy Tutoring, where she continues to grow, practice speaking up when she needs help, and read and write the letters of the alphabet.
We are so proud of Ari and her incredible progress and can’t wait to see how she continues to grow at our Tampa Playhouse!
Looking for more in 2026?
As we head into the new year, we’re all looking for ways to make life more meaningful, and volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse is a perfect place to start! You’ll make a real difference for our participants while finding a fulfilling way to spend your time. Whether you want to help in person or virtually, at a program or special event, we’ll work with you to help get you involved and make 2026 a year of impact.
A new year. A new dash.
Introducing the GiGi’s 5K — Dash for Down syndrome
In 2026, our Playhouses across the country are coming together to host something new: the GiGi’s 5K — Dash for Down syndrome!
You’ve been to 5Ks before, but at GiGi’s, they look a little different. EVERYONE is welcome. Whether you’re a runner chasing a personal best, a walker enjoying the day, a family pushing a stroller, or just looking to have fun, the GiGi’s 5K is for you.
This Dash for Down syndrome brings all our Playhouses into their communities, inviting community members to run, walk, and roll alongside individuals with Down syndrome, while helping build understanding, visibility, and acceptance.
These 5Ks aren’t just about moving your feet; they’re about making an impact. As our largest peer-to-peer fundraiser, the money we raise from the GiGi’s 5K — Dash for Down syndrome directly funds the 400,000 hours of FREE programs we provide annually!
This year, our goal is to raise $2.5 million, and we need your help! Register for a 5K near you, form a team, and spread the word. Every dollar you raise makes our programs possible.
Ready to join the fun? Find a GiGi’s 5K near you here.
Last chance for a 2025 tax deduction!
Think you missed the deadline for a 2025 tax deduction? Think again! Donations made by January 31 can still count if you itemize. Every gift helps fund FREE, life-changing programs at GiGi’s Playhouse. Give today, make an impact, and still get your 2025 deduction.
A Quick Stock Gift Reminder!
Made a stock donation or planning a future one?
Please let your local GiGi’s Playhouse know so we can properly acknowledge and thank you!
Growing together at GiGi’s
At GiGi’s Playhouse, growth goes both ways. Our participants aren’t the only ones learning and stepping up; our volunteers do too. Susanne, a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta, is a perfect example. She first joined the Atlanta Playhouse as a graduate student in speech-language pathology at Georgia State University, supporting Amina Grace one-on-one speech sessions for her semester-long internship.
When the semester ended, Susanne could have moved on, but she didn’t. She returned as a tutor, helping participants make even more progress.
And Suzanne’s growth didn’t end there. When Atlanta’s LMNOP speech class was without its regular leader, Susanne stepped up, leading the class and ensuring it was a success. Suzanne’s story is proof that volunteering at GiGi’s isn’t only about helping others; it’s about growing alongside them.
Want to kick off 2026 by helping others and growing along the way? Learn how to volunteer here.
Programs built with purpose
When people hear that our programs are 99% volunteer-led, they often assume it doesn’t require investment. But in reality, it’s the opposite: keeping over 400,000 hours of free programs running requires infrastructure, planning, and securing a pipeline of qualified volunteers.
Our National Programs team has been hard at work building that pipeline. At the end of 2025, they brought GiGi’s to the ASHA Annual Convention, the premier professional development and networking event for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech-language and hearing scientists, assistants, and students.
Our presence at ASHA put GiGi’s in front of a wide network of emerging professionals and universities, helping us identify opportunities that benefit students, universities, and most importantly, our Playhouses and our families. The relationships and insights gained at ASHA are now laying the foundation for university partnerships in 2026, creating pathways for students to gain real-world experience while strengthening our programs nationwide.
This is part of the intentional, behind-the-scenes work our National Programs team does to invest in volunteers and ensure every Playhouse and program succeeds! Stay tuned as these partnerships take shape and expand our impact in 2026.
Universities interested in partnering with GiGi’s Playhouse can reach out to our National Volunteer Outreach Manager, Dawn DeSoto, at [email protected] to learn more.
Get ready! GiGi’s Educator Symposium is coming soon!
And you won’t want to miss it! Join us Saturday, March 7, for our FREE online symposium, designed for teachers, therapists, parents, grandparents, and more! You’ll leave with proven strategies to effectively teach individuals with Down syndrome, and you can even earn FREE continuing education credits! EVERYONE benefits — register today!
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