Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 5th Annual GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island Black Tie Gala on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Land's End.
This year’s special, as we invite you to celebrate with us on World Down Syndrome Day and we’re bringing exciting entertainment, special touches and a night full of inspiration. Including a fabulous cocktail hour, gourmet sit down dinner and live music, we'll dance the night away! This special evening is a a powerful opportunity to join us in supporting a life-changing mission.
Our Honorees
Leo Peixoto
Leo Peixoto currently serves as Senior Vice President for Sunbelt Rentals US, Northeast Territory. With over 35 years of experience in the rental industry, including 23 years at Sunbelt, Mr. Peixoto has held several key leadership roles, such as Director of Business Development, Director of Flooring Solutions, and Regional Vice President for the Greater Metro NY/NJ markets.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Peixoto, along with his wife Janice of 34 years and their three children, has lived in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. He often remarks that his success is best measured by the individuals he has supported and the enduring relationships he has cultivated throughout his career.
Mr. Peixoto’s connection with GiGi’s Playhouse was immediate. Following his initial visit with Mike and the team, he expressed a profound sense of compassion and motivation. “Allowing myself to slow down, understand basic human needs, and recognize that any one person can make a difference has been one of the most humbling moments of my life. I am forever grateful to GiGi’s and all the volunteers who prioritize the needs of others every single day.”
Mr. Peixoto continues to receive positive feedback from Sunbelt’s network of over 22,000 teammates and the customers they serve regarding the company’s partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse. The future remains promising.
Kristin Hergott
With over 14 years of experience in the equipment rental industry, Kristin brings a deep understanding of operations, customer service, and team leadership to her current role as Branch Manager at Sunbelt Rentals. Her journey in the industry is a testament to hard work and dedication, beginning as an Administrative Assistant, she steadily advanced through roles as a dispatcher and then Market Field Service Manager before stepping into her current leadership position. Today, she leads with the same commitment and drive that have defined her career from the start.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, she is most proud of her role as a mother to her beautiful daughter Emily, who you all know as the Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island. Watching Emily grow into a passionate advocate and leader has been one of the greatest joys in her life. Her pride in Emily’s dedication and impact in the community is immeasurable and she continue to be inspired by her daughter’s commitment to making a difference.
This is how she found her way to GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island. Her first trunk or treat event opened her eyes and heart. Sometimes you don’t realize that the simplest of things for you can make such an incredible impact for others. What began as a personal connection has now grown into a meaningful collaboration between Sunbelt Rentals and GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island-one that reflects the shared values of empathy, inclusion and a deep commitment to serving the community.
We look forward to seeing you on March 21st!
Sponsorship Opportunities
EMERALD "MAKE IT HAPPEN" SPONSOR: $15,000
- Prominent recognition in sponsor slide show
- Recognition on sponsor signage at Gala
- Recognition in pre and post Gala event Playhouse newsletter
- Four tables of 12 and priority seating at the Gala
- Front inside cover and one page inside ad space provided n program (Full Color)
- Recognition on Facebook and other social media efforts
- Website recognition on Gala information page and event recap page
- Recognition at Long Island Gala, the 2026 Long Island GiGi Fitness Acceptance Challenge and 2026
- GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island Golf Outing.
- Recognition on Donor Wall inside the Playhouse (permanent)
- Framed Table Photo of Individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
- Sponsor a Self-Advocate and chaperone to attend the Gala
SAPPHIRE "AWARENESS" SPONSOR $10,000
- Prominent recognition in sponsor slide show
- Recognition on sponsor signage at Gala
- Recognition in pre and post Gala event Playhouse newsletter
- Three tables of 10 and priority seating at the Gala
- Back Inside cover ad space provided in program (Full Color).
- Recognition on Facebook and other social media efforts
- Website recognition on Gala information page and event recap page
- Recognition on Donor Wall inside the Playhouse (permanent)
- Framed Table Photo of Individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
- Sponsor a Self-Advocate and chaperone to attend the Gala
GOLD "ADVOCACY" SPONSOR: $7,500
- Two tables of 12 at the Gala
- Full page ad space provided in program (Full Color)
- Recognition on sponsor signage at the Gala
- Recognition in pre and post Gala event Playhouse newsletter
- Website recognition on Gala information page and event recap page
- Recognition on Facebook and other social media efforts
- Recognition on Donor Wall inside the Playhouse (permanent)
- Framed Table Photo of Individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
DIAMOND "BELIEVER" SPONSOR: $4,000
- One table of 12 at the Gala
- Half page ad space in the program book (Full Color)
- Website recognition on Gala information page and event recap page
- Recognition on Facebook and other social media efforts
- Recognition on Donor Wall inside the Playhouse (permanent)
- Framed Table Photo of Individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
SILVER SPONSOR: $2,500
- Table of 10 at the Gala
- Framed Table Photo of Individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Believer- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
BRONZE SPONSOR: $1,500
- Four tickets to attend the Gala
- Half page ad space in the program book
- Website recognition on Gala information page and event recap page
- Recognition on Facebook and other social media efforts
- Recognition on Donor Wall inside the Playhouse (permanent)
- Framed Table Photo of Individual with Down syndrome of your choice
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
SELF ADVOCATE SPONSOR: $750
- Recognition on Facebook and other social media efforts
- Sponsor a Self – Advocate and Chaperone to attend the Gala
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
321 CHAMPION DONOR SPONSOR: $252
- Your name up on our 321 Champion Donor Wall inside the Playhouse
Friends and Family Sponsor: $100
- Framed photo of individual with Down syndrome of your choice represented at Cocktail Hour
Donate To Our Raffle Cause:
- A raffle donation of any amount to help us secure exciting luxury items for our Gala.