Meet our Friends of GiGi’s 2023! 

If you’re reading this, you likely know that all of the programs, resources and support offered by GiGi’s is provided at no cost to participants and their families. GiGi’s programs are 99% volunteer run and funded by the generous support of our donors. 

Friends of GiGi’s is our annual sponsorship program, and part of the reason we are able to adhere to the philosophy that cost should never be a barrier to success. We would like to take this time to highlight the first Friends of GiGi’s sponsors who have signed on for 2023, and thank them for their amazing commitment to, support of and belief in individuals with Down syndrome. 

Tito’s Handmade Vodka & Love, Tito’s | Investor Level Sponsor 

GiGi’s and Tito’s is a match made in fun! Tito’s has been a long-time supporter of GiGi’s, both as a Friend’s of GiGi’s sponsor and by donating product for our key fundraising events. If you’ve been to our Gala, you’ve had the opportunity to sip the signature drink (a Tito’s vodka cocktail) and try your chance at scoring a bottle of Tito’s from the wine and liquor pull. This year, one lucky person will be golfing in style with a Tito’s golf bag, that was part of the silent auction. 

You might be thinking why is a vodka company so invested in raising awareness for and supporting the Down syndrome community? Tito’s has a pretty incredible story… that starts with Tito himself. Tito’s has been turning spirits into love and goodness since their start. 

Love Tito’s Brand Video

We are thankful for you, Tito’s. Cheers to a great 2023 and another wonderful year of partnership. 

Park Bank | Partner Level Sponsor 

Park Bank believes drive and ambition come from the heart, and we can attest to that!  A Dane County institution, Park Bank has been a supporter of GiGi’s since the start of our Friends of GiGi’s program. Park Bank is all about serving their communities. In addition to their partnerships with local non-profits, they also offer paid volunteer time to their associates. Pretty incredible! You can see all of the amazing causes they support here.

Park Bank’s GiGiFit Acceptance Challenge, Dash for Down Syndrome Team  

Park Bank, thank you for believing in us and for your strong commitment not only to GiGi’s, but to a number of Dane County causes advocating for equity and inclusion, and embracing diversity. 

Source DMK | Partner Level Sponsor 

This is Source DMK’s second year supporting GiGi’s, and their fourth as a Playhouse family. Source DMK is a family-run manufacturing consulting firm that helps small to medium size companies effectively outsource their parts and components in Taiwan and Vietnam.  

For Source DMK, GiGi’s is personal. Business partners and father/daughter team, Mike and Sarah, were introduced to GiGi’s after the birth of Sarah’s daughter, Addison, who has Down syndrome. Self-proclaimed super fans, Sarah and Addi enjoy GiGi’s LMNOP Program, Amina Grace Speech & Language Program, Destination Discovery and most recently, GiGiFit! Mike is also excited to be a new literacy tutor for the Spring 2023 session. 

LEFT: Mike with the birthday girl, Addi RIGHT: Addi, end of summer speech program

Van Holten’s | Partner Level Sponsor 

If you’ve been to a GiGi’s event in the last couple of years, you’ve probably gotten a complementary Pickle-In-A-Pouch! Van Holten’s is another long-time supporter of the Playhouse, and we’re just pickled to have them on board again! See what we did there? Their coveted cooler of pickle products was a hot ticket at last year’s Gala silent auction, too! 

Van Holten’s is a generous supporter of a number of local non-profits, focusing on youth development, children and family services, hunger and nutrition and intellectual disabilities. 

We were introduced to Van Holten’s by Julie Byrnes. Julie’s husband Steve is the President and Owner of Van Holten’s. Julie has been a GiGi’s volunteer almost since the inception of our Madison location. Since then, Julie has taken on many roles, including the interim Executive Director position, Board President and is now the Executive Director of the GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse. 

The Byrnes family, GiGiFit Acceptance Challenge

A GiGi’s party wouldn’t be the same without you, Van Holten’s! We are grateful for your years of partnership and support. Keep those pickles coming! 

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If you know of anyone who may be interested in being a Friends of GiGi’s sponsor, reach out! We would be happy to connect with them and see if we can work together to foster awareness. 

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