Dash for Down Syndrome Team Spotlights!

Our 2nd annual Dash for Down Syndrome is on April 29th, 2023 at Winnequah Park in Monona.

Everyone has their own reasons for participating so we wanted highlight them for you.

To learn more or create your own team, click HERE

Scroll down to see all our spotlight teams!

Team: Lily & Vivi- Homies with Extra Chromies

To donate to or join this team click HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Liliana Fugate & Vianna Watson
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • LMNOP, we love meeting these adorable little ones and their families!
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Loving the members of our “village” as the amazing part of our family that they are!
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • I love the sense of community, the sense of joy coming from each volunteer, and of course, each beautiful person at the playhouse we get the honor to meet!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Lily and Vianna are two of the strongest people I know, and are still smiling through it all and bringing so much joy to our lives.

Team: Team Elvis

To join or donate to this team click here

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes, my sister Jamie
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why? 
  • My sister likes Fantastic Friends and art
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • Remember everyone is doing their best
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • We presented to the Fantastic Friends group about service dogs
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Be flexible about how people present themselves. Be careful not to pass judgement. Everyone has a story
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We are truly honored and feel So fortunate to have this 30 mins from our home
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • She has helped me be more patient, to slow down, to take a different perspective, and to ALWAYS choose KINDNESS

Team: The Proud Perry’s

You can join or donate to this team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our 2^nd time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Our son, Joe Perry who is a great person!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Dance, Yoga
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Becoming Friends, Talking to them
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We feel very lucky!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • We love music festivals and sports.  Joe teaches us the importance of time together rather than material things.

Team: The Drifters

You can join or donate to this team here

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Joann Sams one of our favorite people with Down Syndrome who is turning 60 in June
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Fantastic Friends and Art on Thursday night
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • Treat all with love and respect
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • Fantastic Friends and art
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Smile and listen
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • There are opportunities to meet and socialize with good people
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Claire and I see lots of plays together and talk every day

Team: The Zach Pack

You can join or donate to this team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, this is our 2^nd year
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes, our son Zach and his friends
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Speech therapy because it has tremendously helped my son communicate with others
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • Just keep showing up
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Spreading Kindness
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • It’s just awesome
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • We include Zach in everything possible

Team: Oliver & Co.

You can join or donate to this team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, every year!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Our son, Oliver!  As well as all of the people that have provided support and become friends through GiGi’s.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • GiGiFIT Kids – Oliver looks forward to it every week!  But honestly, he loves any event that takes place at the playhouse.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • We all strive to remain patient and maintain a positive attitude.  But most of all:  Be accepting, generous, and kind!
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • I’m the Secretary of the GiGi’s Playhouse Madison board of directors.  I’ve enjoyed participating on the board and being more involved with the playhouse.  Prior to being on the board I occasionally volunteered to assist with facilities/IT needs and events.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • We try to teach and encourage empathy, and embody the idea of Generation G.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We have a place that our son loves to go to for programs and educational activities that he thinks are playtime.  We love GiGi’s Playhouse!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Ollie loves to dance, sing, playing with our dog, and he really loves going on slides.  But by far his absolute favorite activity is going to restaurants; especially if they have a good grilled cheese.

Team: Damian’s Dashers

You can join or donate to this team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • My son Damian, he has down syndrome and as his family we want to support him and kids like him.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • I have only gone to GiGi’s a few times but my son really enjoys the open play group. He doesn’t have many kids around his age he interacts with and Ive gotten some good advice from the other parents while the kids play. I also love how patient and friendly the volunteers are!

• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • By giving them encouragement and validating their thoughts and feeling even if I don’t agree with them.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • It’s amazing to know there is a place that actively helps families. My son has lots of support for different things like speech, sign language and fitness because of GiGi’s and its all right down the road!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • My son is the most important person in my life, no matter how difficult my day is he always gives me a big smile and lets me shower him in endless kisses and cuddles. We have fun like any mother and son would. We go for walks, sing the itsy bitsy spider a billion times a day and watch cartoons on the weekends.

TEAM: Marek’s Masked Movers

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, for 3 years
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Our son, Marek!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • LMNOP is a fun way to meet new friends and build communication skills.  After four years, we still use signs we learned and have built lasting friendships.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • We love to celebrate the small stuff.  It could be trying a new food, being a tiny more independent with dressing or being kind.
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • Helping with prep is the only way I’ve been able to volunteer currently.  It gives me the ability to participate as a mom at events, but still help out.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • I listen.  So many times we push or decide for others, but I find that you can’t properly support without listening to what people want for themselves.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  •  It’s wonderful to have a resource and support less than an hour from our house. Gigi’s is a fun place for the whole family to learn and connect to be their best selves 
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Marek, my son, has a free spirit.  We love to dance together and cuddle up for story time.  He is a treasured gift to our family and we wouldn’t be the same without him.

TEAM: Addi’s Advocates

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes! In 2021 when it was a field day event and last year at the first Dash for Down Syndrome
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Addison Berndt – Addi is our rockstar with an extra chromosome and the reason we became GiGi’s superfans. We’re walking to celebrate Addi and raise awareness and acceptance for all people with Down syndrome.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Right now, GiGiFit. GiGiFit challenges Addi in multiple ways – it’s great from a physical therapy perspective, but also great social exposure for her. 
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • Addi gives her best of all each day by facing challenges and persevering. She is the strongest (and most stubborn) girl I know. Despite facing challenges, she generally has a great attitude. 
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • I (Sarah, Addi’s mom) have really enjoyed being on the board, and helping find new ways to market GiGis! 
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Addi has truly taught me not to judge a book by its cover – to be open, patient and listen more. 
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We are immensely thankful for GiGi’s. GiGi’s is literally a place where we can breathe – a place to take the pressure off and be with people who truly understand our experience. 
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • We have fun with Addi the same way we have fun with our son, Charlie! Down syndrome doesn’t change the way we have fun, it’s just another lens to look through.

TEAM: Team McKay

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes! In 2022
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • All of the amazing families served by GiGi’s Playhouse – Madison!
• What is your favorite program to participate?
  • Literacy tutoring as a tutor
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • By having a positive attitude
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • Serving on the board of directors

• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • By being kind and generous and open to learn new things
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • I am incredibly proud of how the Playhouse supports so many individuals and families with Down syndrome in the community 
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Laughing together, spending time at the Holidays 

TEAM: Nicholas’ Guardians of the Galaxy

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes Nicholas because he’s my son and I love him.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Fantastic Friends because he can hang out with his friends and have fun
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • Nicholas does his best every day with a big smile!
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • I have only volunteered one time and it was in the kitchen and I enjoyed it very much.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • I tell them thank you for all of your help.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • That means that Nicholas can meet up with his friends and have a wonderful time!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Nicholas is my son and he is involved in a lot of activities; we go swimming together, he’s in dance class, plays basketball and he’s just a joy to be around!

TEAM: Laps for Lavi

You can donate to join this team HERE

Have you participated in this event in the past?

It’s our first time!

Are you honoring anyone with your team?

Yes! Our daughter Lavender

What is your favorite program to participate in and why?

We are new to the area and have not participated yet but we are looking forward to it!

How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?

By being kind to people each day

What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?

Events! Love to see community rally behind awareness for individuals and families blessed with Down syndrome.

How do you show acceptance to others?

Teach our kids that everyone matters! Disabilities don’t mean less. It’s okay to be different!

What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?

It means so much! It gives a sense of acceptance, solidarity, support and encouragement.

How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?

Lavender has taught us to see the joy in all things.

Team: Alexa’s A-Team

You can join or donate to this team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, this is our 3^rd year! And we are the reigning top team fundraiser from 2022!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Our team honors Alexa, my 8-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, because she is amazing!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Our favorite GiGi’s Playhouse program is GiGi’s Kitchen, because Alexa loves to help with cooking and baking.  She learns kitchen safety, learns about healthy eating, and sometimes tries new foods.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • I give my “best of all” each day by striving to remain patient and present with my 3 kids, which is sometimes difficult with the day-to-day chaos!
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • I am president of the GiGi’s Playhouse Madison Board of Directors.  I have loved being on the Board of Directors because it allows me to be involved with all the awesome things that are going on at the Playhouse.  I have met other individuals through the Board of Directors that are invested in improving resources for the Down syndrome community and it’s fun to collaborate with these like-minded individuals.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Our family is very welcoming and accepting of everyone.  One of our family values is kindness, which should be extended to everyone.  Through Alexa and GiGi’s Playhouse, we have met so many amazing families that have a shared experience of having a loved one with a disability.  We love connecting with these families.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • GiGi’s Playhouse is an essential resource for individuals with Down syndrome in the Madison community.  We are so fortunate to have FREE therapeutic and educational programming for our daughter that fosters her development and improves her functional abilities.
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Alexa is such an awesome kid!  She is fun-loving and brings joy to everyone she meets.  We love to have quality time together as a family.  Alexa’s sisters love her so much and have a more compassionate world view than many of their peers.  We couldn’t imagine our lives without Alexa!

Team: Brenda’s Buddies

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, last year was our first year
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes, our team is honoring Brenda to show everyone her talent, perseverance and beautiful outlook on life!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Brenda’s favorite program is GiGi’s kitchen. She loves all things food and loves learning how to be more independent in the kitchen!
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • We just keep trying.
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • Playhouse mom Missy uses her programming background to teach not one but two GiGi classes a week! She loves getting to know the playhouse participants and teaching them new skills to help them succeed in life!
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Be being kind! Our family loves to spread love to all, kindness is contagious 💙💛💙💛
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • Success, friendships, acceptance, stability, understanding and compassion are all word that describe why GiGi’s is so important. It has become our new community.
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • We do everything as a family, there are no limitations to what we can accomplish when we are doing things together.

Team: SainT & Jelly

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, we have participated in 2021 and 2022
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes! Although she will not be there, we will be honoring my good friend, Kira, who lives in Utah.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • TeenTastic – this program is so much fun! Since it is a social skills program, we are able to connect to our participants through art projects, games, conversation, dance etc.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • I’m going to UW for Special Education, and I am currently placed in a 3rd grade classroom shadowing the classroom teacher. My best of all is showing up each day and doing a little bit better than I did the day before and making more meaningful connections with my students.
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • TeenTastic was my favorite time volunteering because of the participants and other volunteers that I got to work with.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • I try to show acceptance to other people by treating everyone with respect and kindness.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • Having a Gigi’s in my community means that proactive steps are being taken to show that Down syndrome is something to be accepted and celebrated. The services that Gigi’s offers empower those with Down syndrome, their families, and the community to be world changers.
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • One of my best friends, Kira, has Down syndrome. We love to play games and watch movies together; our favorites are Disney movies. She has taught me so much about living life authentically and to the fullest. She has also taught me the importance of advocacy. I am so thankful to have Kira in my life, she is like a sister to me.

Team: Acceptance Allies

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes in 2020, when it was virtual and called Step to Accept; 2021 at the Field Day event and in 2022 at the Dash for Down Syndrome
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • We are walking for all of our friends with Down syndrome and advocating for Acceptance for All. Our team, the Acceptance Allies, believe in equity and inclusion, and that all people should be valued and accepted for who they are.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Special Olympics Young Athletes. Our kids have loved attending SOYA and have met some friends with Down syndrome that they still speak about years later asking when they can see them again.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • As a family we are working on embodying Generation G – Be accepting. Be generous. Be kind. In life, this simple concept goes a long way, and leads to a happiness.
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • I have been volunteering on the Board of Directors for 5-years and have loved every minute. I get to meet participants and see how GiGi’s is positively impacting their lives and then I have helped to fundraise to make sure the playhouse is funded, ensuring free programs for our families. It makes me feel good knowing that the volunteer work I invest, leads to education and new Best of All moments for our participants.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • We befriend individuals of all abilities and advocate for Acceptance for All.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We are proud to have GiGi’s in our neighborhood. The GiGi’s Playhouse Madison community of participants, volunteers, staff, and believers has grown significantly over the past 7-years. We cannot wait to see what the next years bring.

Team: Kelly’s Movers and Shakers

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, as all 3 years! As an employee I help run this but I also have amazing family and friends that join my team.
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Every single family at our Playhouse- I love them all!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • I can’t pick a favorite because every program everyone is so unique and seeing everyone’s personalities come through makes my day.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • I work on being present and kind to everyone because you never know what someone is going through.
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • I’m staff now, but I started as a Board Member. This was a very cool way to be involved in share my experience and skill set.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • I truly love people for who they are, no conditions.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • I don’t have anyone in my family with Down syndrome but I’m so lucky to get a front row seat to all the amazing things that happen at our Playhouse. I’ve seen the direct impact this makes on so many families.
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • I love hanging out with our awesome participants at programming and meeting with self-advocates to plan how they will participate!

Team: Charlie’s Cheerleaders

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes, our daughter Charlotte and our friend Thomas because we love them both and they inspire us all!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • LMNOP
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • We appreciate everyone for their differences and can learn something from everybody if we take the time
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We are grateful to have GiGi’s in our community as a place where everyone feels welcome and accepted for who they are.

Team: Team Thomas

You can donate to or join this team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • Yes, in the 2021 Field Day Event
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • We honor all of our friends that hold a little “something extra” because they truly make our world a better place.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • Thomas has enjoyed his literacy and math programing through GiGis.  It gives him that extra help that he needs to be a success.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • We wake up each morning and say we are going to always try better than yesterday.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Just meeting people where they are at and looking for the positive.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • GiGi’s has given Thomas a place that he can feel included and be with others that share that little “extra”.  It has also been wonderful to connect with other parents and share our triumphs and struggles.  The feeling you have when you walk into a GiGi’s playhouse is so awesome.
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Thomas has been a wonderful blessing to our family and friends.  He has a wonderful sense of humor and tries his best at whatever he does.  He knows how to light up a room with his big smile and giant heart.  He truly has added zest to our family.

Team: Keeping Up with Kate the Great

You can donate to or join their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Yes! We are honoring our daughter Kate who shows us each day how amazing she is.
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • We’re just getting started and look forward to LMNOP and soon GiGiFIT for toddler!!
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • We as parents show our best of all by learning new ways every day to show up for our kids with love in supporting their unique personalities, growth and development. Kate gives her best of all with so much curiosity and determination in personal growth and learning about the world around her!!
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • We’re just getting involved and have a family of educators so hoping to find ways to volunteer in programming and tutoring!
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • Getting to know and treating everyone with kindness and a smile opens the door
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • We are so grateful to have GiGi’s so close to us so we can participate in programs and have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful families in the lucky few club like us!!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Our Kate IS the fun!! Her energy and love for life and people is contagious. She can light up a room and spread joy like we’ve never known.

Team: Gamer Changers

You can join or donate to their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s my first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • GiGi’s Playhouse Madison!
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • GiGi’s Kitchen would have to be my favorite program currently offered at GiGi’s Playhouse Madison. I love watching participants try new foods and flavors, expand their cooking skills, and learn more about food groups all while building new friendships.
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • I give my ‘Best of All’ each day by trying to bring kindness and optimism with me wherever I go and having a patience mindset with any new challenges or experiences.      
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • I show acceptance to others by embracing everyone’s individuality and appreciating the experiences and perspectives they carry.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  • Having a place that is always accepting and supports all individuals is monumental. I’m grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization and even more lucky to be a part of the Down Syndrome Community.

Team: NOA

You can donate to or join their team HERE

• Have you participated in this event in the past?
  • It’s our first time!
• Are you honoring anyone with your team?
  • Our daughter, Noa
• What is your favorite program to participate in and why?
  • We haven’t yet gone but looking forward to the LMNOP group!
• How do your give your ‘Best of All’ each day?
  • Each day we celebrate Noa’s growth and development and celebrate our own patience with doing things on Noa’s timeline, not our own!
• What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
  • Haven’t yet, but excited to get more involved.
• How do you show acceptance to others?
  • We look for all of the ways we are the same and celebrate the things that make us each unique.
• What does it mean to you to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
  •  We feel so fortunate to have these resources available for our baby girl and our family!
• How do you have fun with your family member or friend who has Down syndrome?
  • Noa has taught us so much already- she is the sweetest baby who absolutely loves to “chat” with us and gives us the hammiest smiles