Moving Forward Together: A Season of Momentum at GiGi’s Playhouse Madison

Watch a video with these updates from our Executive Director HERE.

Forward Momentum :Every once in a while, you pause, take a breath, and realize just how far you’ve come and how much possibility is still ahead. That’s where we are right now at GiGi’s Playhouse Madison.

Because of you, our families, volunteers, donors, partners, and advocates , we are in an incredibly exciting season of growth. We wanted to share a few updates on where we are, what we’ve accomplished together, and what’s coming next as we continue to build a stronger future for our community.

Our Forever Home Is Becoming a Reality

One of the biggest milestones to share is that our capital campaign is no longer just a vision, it’s in motion. After celebrating our anniversary and publicly launching the campaign last June, we officially broke ground in December on our forever home in Fitchburg.

We have raised about $2.8MM, and counting. Our amazing construction partners are keeping us on track to take occupancy late July so we can move in August and run our Fall programs in our new forever home! Take a look at our build progress HERE.

Learn how you can be part of building our future HERE.

This space will allow us to serve more families, offer more programs, and provide the kind of welcoming, inclusive environment our community deserves. Every square foot is being designed with purpose; from dedicated program rooms to gathering spaces where families can connect, learn, and belong. Watching this dream take shape has been incredibly moving, and it’s only possible because of the belief so many of you have placed in our mission.

Fundraising With Purpose (and a Lot of Fun)

Our events continue to be a powerful reflection of what makes GiGi’s so special: joy, connection, and impact.

The Dash for Down Syndrome 5K & Fun Run/Walk remains one of our favorite days of the year. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of ability, advocacy, and community pride. Seeing families cross the finish line together, volunteers cheering loudly, and self-advocates leading the way is a reminder of why this work matters. Form your team now and celebrate with us on Saturday, April 25th at Winnequah Park. You can find the incentives on the event page too!

Our Go FORE It Golf Outing brings together longtime supporters and new friends for a day filled with laughter and generosity. This year’s event will be on August 10th at The Oaks Golf Course. Registration will be open soon! Events like this are critical to sustaining our free programming, and they also create meaningful opportunities for connection beyond the Playhouse walls.

And of course, our Generation G Gala continues to be one of our most impactful evenings of the year. It’s a night where stories take center stage, self-advocates shine, and our community comes together to invest in what’s possible. Save the date for Friday, October 16th at Madison Marriott West. Tickets will be available soon! Each year, we are reminded that this isn’t just about fundraising, it’s about belief and shared commitment.

The Impact Behind Every Dollar

What all of this momentum supports is what matters most: free, purposeful programming for individuals with Down syndrome, from birth through adulthood.

Every event, every donation, every volunteer hour helps us provide educational, therapeutic, and career-focused programs at no cost to families. It allows us to welcome new families through our doors, increase access, and ensure that everyone who walks into GiGi’s feels supported, accepted, and empowered.

As our community grows, so does the demand for these programs, and that’s exactly why this season of growth is so important.

Gratitude and What’s Ahead

We want you to know how deeply grateful we are for the trust and support you continue to show GiGi’s Playhouse Madison. Whether you run in the 5K, attend the gala, golf with us, volunteer, or give quietly behind the scenes, you are part of this story.

We are building something extraordinary together. A forever home. Expanded programs. More opportunities. More equity. More families served.

Thank you for believing in our mission and walking alongside us as we move forward with confidence, momentum, and a shared vision for what’s possible.