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Nai’la Gives Her Best of All

Nai'la, her older sister Kailea, and her mom, Lisa, attended their first GiGi's event, Pancakes & Pajamas, when Nai’la was 11 months old in December 2018. Lisa remembers it like this: “I was nervous and had been feeling isolated for almost a year. I remember walking into the gym and...
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Your Baby Can Come to LMNOP

I first heard about GiGi’s from a patient. I’m a family medicine doctor and during a routine visit last fall, one of my patients mentioned an upcoming fundraiser she was participating in for GiGis Playhouse Lancaster - did I know about GiGi’s? I didn’t. She raved about the programs and...
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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...
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Natalie Becomes a Great Friend at Achievers

When Natalie first started coming to GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster and participating in Achievers on Mondays in the spring, she was new and seemed a little shy and nervous. This summer, she joined “The Swifties” small group at Achievers with other girls her age who have similar interests as her. Throughout...

Casino Royale Gala & Awards 

The Lancaster Marriott was transformed into a dazzling hub of excitement and generosity on the evening of April 6, 2024, as GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster hosted its much-anticipated Casino Royale gala. This event wasn't just about glamour and games; it was a heartfelt gathering aimed at supporting GiGi's mission of changing the...
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Charlotte Gives Her Best of All at GiGiFIT Infant 

“We are so happy to have found GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster, and even more so to find the GiGiFIT Infant program. We heard about GiGi’s soon after Charlotte was born and started going to their events and monthly Language Music ‘N Our Peeps (LMNOP) program for participants birth to 36 months....
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From Grand Opening Until Now: 4 Years of Changing Lives 

Monica: Grand Opening & Now  “GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster has opened a whole new world for our daughter Monica. Four years ago, we were excited to have a local Down Syndrome enrichment center available for support, never dreaming that it would become a second home to Monica. She is there several...

Through the Eyes of Santa

“Through the Eyes of Santa”  I have been a Santa’s helper for a dozen years or so, wearing the red suit and sitting in the big chair for local attractions, corporate events, family gatherings and church events.  I have met all sorts of children (and families) and have heard the...
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GiGi’s Challenge is an Eye-Opening Experience for Golfers  

It was the most beautiful, sunny day for ​GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster’s​ first Golf Tournament. At hole number one, we asked golfers to consider taking the GiGi’s Challenge. The GiGi’s Challenge is a way for golfers to put themselves in the shoes of someone with Down syndrome and experience what it...
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Bring Your Grandparents to LMNOP

It is such a heartwarming day when our participants bring their grandparents to LMNOP, Language Music ‘N Our Peeps, at GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster for Grandparents Day each year! LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms...

Ben’s Journey to the Finish Line

“Ben’s Journey to the Finish Line”  Meet Ben, one of our awesome GiGi’s participants! A few months before our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC) event in June 2023, Ben started training at a local park with his mom, Janet, since he had never been a runner before. Actually, most of Ben’s life,...
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Celebrating Small Wins: Kevin’s Tutoring Success

Participants love GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster because it’s full of excitement, laughter, and friendships! GiGi’s is a place for hard work, celebration, and achievement.  Many participants love when the Playhouse is full of commotion, crowds of people, busy programs, and loud music. For other participants like Kevin, they feel the most...