Nancy and “The Gigi” Visit GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster 

In August, Nancy Gianni, Chief Belief Officer & Founder and ‘The Gigi’ of GiGi’s Playhouse embarked on a heartwarming journey to GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster, a place that’s more than just a Playhouse; It’s a home, a community, and a source of boundless joy for families like theirs. 

As Nancy and GiGi stepped through the doors of GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster, Nancy immediately felt the warmth and excitement of the space. The colorful walls, adorned with bright murals and encouraging quotes, reflected the mission of the Playhouse: To change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance to all. As the site coordinator and board members gave Nancy and Gigi a tour of the newly renovated Playhouse, which is three times the size of their original Playhouse, they were shocked to see new spaces in the Playhouse including Club G, a Best of All wall in the Family Room, a bubble donor wall, a GFAC champions wall in the GiGiFIT Gym, organized program storage rooms and more.   

After their tour, it was time for a VIP tour and luncheon. They welcomed VIP representatives from local businesses and organizations in the community, including Aaron’s Acres, Friendship Community, Lancaster City Police Department, Hartz Physical Therapy, Blessings of Hope, Fulton Bank, the Women’s Club of Ephrata, LCBC Church, C&D Enterprises, and more. It was a time for Nancy to share about her journey throughout the past 22 years of creating GiGi’s Playhouse Inc. Nancy shared about why she started GiGi’s, why our work is important, why our work is not done, and how to get involved. She also shared how GiGi’s Lancaster has specifically grown exponentially over the past 4 years and has become the #7 top performing Playhouse across the 60+ Playhouses in the US and Mexico, based on our participation hours and other figures.    

Later in the evening, Nancy and Gigi came back to the Playhouse for a Meet and Greet with families and participants of all ages!  For some families, it was their first time meeting the founder and namesake of GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster, which was very exciting! It was time for playing, singing, dancing, and taking photos together.  

Nancy got on the stage and spoke to families, volunteers and participants, expressing how proud she is of everyone at the Lancaster Playhouse. She also spoke directly to participants and encouraged them to get involved and stay active at GiGi’s. She left us with this message: “Keep your bodies and your brains busy… and you know where you can do that?? RIGHT HERE at GiGi’s baby! I want to see you guys working your bodies. I want to see you working your brains because that’s the key to being successful! Confident You, Healthy You, Whole You. That’s what GiGi’s is all about; building yourself up from the INSIDE out. Nutrition, Fitness, and Academics… and it’s all here for you and it’s all FREE! So take advantage of it!” 

Nancy and Gigi ended the evening with singing karaoke and dancing to celebrate the successes of GiGi’s Playhouse!

Visiting Gigi’s Playhouse Lancaster was such a special experience for Nancy, Gigi, and everyone in our Lancaster community.  It’s a place where differences are celebrated, where every participant is given the tools to succeed, and where parents find a support system that empowers them. Nancy knows that GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster will continue to be an essential part of these families’ lives, providing a safe space for their children to learn and grow and a community that embraces and uplifts them every step of the way towards their Best of All. 

For Nancy and Gigi, GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster is not just a place they visit—it’s a place they belong. 

Thank you Nancy and Gigi for visiting GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster!