Gala Inspiration

Gala Inspiration from a self-advocate

Two years ago, at our 7th Annual Generation G Gala, one of our incredible self-advocates took the stage and shared an inspiring speech. Their words captured the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse Madison—celebrating abilities, breaking down barriers, and building a community where everyone belongs. As we get ready for this year’s Gala, we want to look back and share that powerful moment with you. It’s a reminder of why we gather each year, and why your support makes a lasting impact.

Maya shared “‘”with the Gala coming up in the next couple of weeks, I wanted to share some of my speech from two years ago, in hopes that you’ll join us! “

Learn more about how to support and attend the Generation G Gala taking place on October 10th, HERE.

Gala Speech by Maya Greengus:

GiGi’s Playhouse is a place where everyone can socialize, learn, grow, and bring families together. It feels like a family in my own opinion, having your own group of people who you can feel happy being around. 

 When I first heard of this playhouse, I was about twelve years old. The positive impact of knowing about an achievement center for people born with Down syndrome made me feel like this is my family, group of friends where I am accepted as I am for the way I’m born.

It inspired me to create something remarkable in 2020 during the pandemic to help lead with Sadler, a Down syndrome advocate committee, where we both provide a mentorship program for individuals to belong and to have an older role model to look up to. We asked Abby and Jen to join, because they  are amazing individuals who have good intentions of living up to be role models to individuals. I believe it’s important for individuals to connect with young adults born with Down syndrome, because hearing the words from parents of individuals, “you changed my daughter/son’s lives, you’re an inspiration, you make the world a better place having role models like you”  helps us feel like we succeeded in our lives to show them to be a leader, it’s honestly quite amazing to see how far they grow as the person they are today.

GiGi’s Playhouse in Madison provides foundational opportunities for everyone of all ages. To the parents who bring their young ones, watching them achieve well in their lives, the programs GiGi’s offers are LMNOP, Special Olympics Young Athletes, Leaps & Bounds. GiGi’s Playhouse Madison provides many programs with no cost, we just want you to come with a smile on your face and have a fun time.

When I first started coming to GiGi’s Playhouse I did yoga with my mom, now I help volunteer for events like GiGifit acceptance, went to an elementary school to talk about Down syndrome, the kids made rocks that said Generation G. I participated in some Fantastic Friends events, come to the end of year parties. What I do individually to help gain more awareness in the Down syndrome community around me is finding inspiration from other individuals by reposting on my Instagram story, I also personally make my own speech that connects to my own life by posting it on Facebook. My purpose here as an advocate is to bring more sunshine and light to many lives around me as currently right now i achieved that because I see some smiles out in the crowd.

To wrap this speech up, one final quote that I’m going to leave everyone with is, “The world becomes a better place when we embrace the differences that individuals with Down syndrome bring. No matter who you are or how you’re born, your arrival deserves to be celebrated.”

Thank you everyone for being here.