GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 2025

On June 1, 2025, our community came together for our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge, which is a 5K, Dash for Down syndrome, and Inspirational Walk to raise money for GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster! It is our only peer-to-peer fundraiser that we also do with the other 63+ Playhouses across the network in the spring/summer each year. This year, we had 41 team captains create a team for their child, family, or group, and collect donations and sponsorships online throughout the month of May, leading up to the event. Most of the teams came out to the culminating event held at Penn Medicine Park, home of the Lancaster Stormers. It was an inspirational day, full of achievement and celebration! 

First, everyone lined up for the 5K, running from Penn Medicine Park, through Lancaster City, near the North Museum, F&M College, and Buchanan Park. There were volunteers stationed throughout the 5K route, pointing runners in the right direction, handing out water, and cheering for runners. Some runners were experienced and others, it was their first time running a 5K. There were also families who choose to walk or run with their children in strollers or wagons.  

Isabella was given the 321 bib this year to run the 5K. 

The runners made their way back into the stadium to cross the finish line. We gave out awards for first and second place runners in all ages groups for males and females. 

We gave out two new awards this year for the first time, for the first place male and first place female participant with Down syndrome to complete the entire 5K. Congrats to Alex and Lauren! Many other participants also completed the 5K or one mile of the 5K and we are very proud of each of them! This was the first year we also offered a 5K running club for the month leading up to the event, for participants and families to learn tips and techniques and to practice running a 5K together. 

Next, it was time for the Dash for Down syndrome, which gave each participant with Down syndrome from each team the opportunity to have their name and team announced before walking or running the bases individually at their own pace with volunteers and cheerleaders along the baseline encouraging them in the right direction and cheering for them! Some participants ran it independently for the first time this year. We are very proud of each participant who did the Dash! Participants were announced in order of the way they ended up fundraising, working towards those Top 10 teams that raised the most money.  

Then, we made it to the top 4 teams. They were announced and ran the bases, with lots of cheering and celebration! 

Lily of Lily’s Crew 

Bella of Bella’s Besties 

Kynleigh of Kynleigh’s Quest 

Parker of Parker’s Pals 

Congratulations to Parker’s Pals for becoming this year’s GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Champion! His team raised $12,409, ranking as Team #8 out of all teams at all Playhouses across the network. 

Then, it was time for the Inspirational Walk. Each team gathered together with their team sign and walked around the edge of the ballfield once or twice. 

Lastly, it was time for a team lunch and Family Fun activities on the concourse. There was magic with Papa Tater. There was also balloon twisting and facepainting from Mimzy’s.  

It was a great day! Overall, GFAC raised $71,708 for GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster! Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and donated. We currently rank as Playhouse #7 out of all 63+ Playhouses across the network, which is a huge accomplishment as well! Thank you so much for supporting our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge this year!