{"id":142958,"date":"2026-05-13T22:36:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T03:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/?p=142958"},"modified":"2026-05-13T22:36:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T03:36:50","slug":"building-dreams-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/building-dreams-together\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Dreams Together: Our $4 Million Campaign to Create a Space as Limitless as Our Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Dreams Together for the Down syndrome Community!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2025\/06\/Madison-newsletter-Build-Sign-for-Playhouse-Coming-Soon-552x300-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"552\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2025\/06\/Madison-newsletter-Build-Sign-for-Playhouse-Coming-Soon-552x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"Building GiGi's 2.0! \" class=\"wp-image-142959\" style=\"width:316px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2025\/06\/Madison-newsletter-Build-Sign-for-Playhouse-Coming-Soon-552x300-1.jpg 552w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2025\/06\/Madison-newsletter-Build-Sign-for-Playhouse-Coming-Soon-552x300-1-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 552px) 100vw, 552px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.gigisplayhouse.org\/madison-believe-in-our-build\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VISIT OUR CAMPAIGN PAGE<\/a>&nbsp;to learn more about the project and how you can get involved!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?set=a.1173667778254196&amp;type=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit our photo album to see frequent construction pictures! <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-fl-topbar-text-color has-fl-heading-text-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-0b6ab186fad6dcd6dea47a889020a48c\">Project Update: 5\/13\/26<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We are almost 95% funded for our capital campaign. Read about the $900,000 grant we received <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/transformational-grant\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/transformational-grant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HERE<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2-788x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2-788x1024.jpg 788w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2-768x997.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2-1183x1536.jpg 1183w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-2-2.jpg 1540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-6-1.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-6-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-6-1.png 770w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-6-1-231x300.png 231w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/04\/Madison-May-Build-Update-Donors-6-1-768x997.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-fl-topbar-text-color has-fl-heading-text-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a9a530e63b35097f5428a0e1a688006e\">Project Update: 4\/11\/26<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"541\" height=\"703\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1.jpg 541w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-231x300.jpg 231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"541\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2.jpg 541w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-233x300.jpg 233w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/vKZzDZorm-Q?si=ulGqpDG7WXseD2C9\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-fl-topbar-link-background-color has-background has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Project Update: 2\/28\/26:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read exciting updates and listen to a message from our Executive Director below:  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-1.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"789\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-1-789x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-1-789x1024.png 789w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-1-231x300.png 231w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-1-768x997.png 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/1-1.png 963w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 789px) 100vw, 789px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"789\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-1-789x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-1-789x1024.jpg 789w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-1-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-1-768x997.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2026\/02\/2-1.jpg 963w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 789px) 100vw, 789px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Capital Campaign Update 2\/28\/26\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KOXwEAh-_jg?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Something big is happening. \u2728<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, we\u2019re laying the foundation, both literally and figuratively, for the future of GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Madison. We\u2019re dreaming bigger, reaching higher, and inviting our entire community to be part of something transformational. Welcome to our <strong>Build Campaign<\/strong>, a bold $4 million effort to create a forever home that reflects the limitless potential of our participants and the deep commitment of our supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re already off to a <em>powerful<\/em> start. Thanks to an extraordinary <strong>$1 million matching gift<\/strong> from a generous local family foundation and 15 other heartfelt contributions, we\u2019ve already raised <strong>$2.2 million<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how the match works: <strong>For every $2 we raise, we unlock $1 from the match, up to $1 million. That means when we raise $2 million, we receive the full $1 million gift.<\/strong> This is an incredible opportunity to triple the impact of your contribution and help us cross major milestones faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But this isn\u2019t just about numbers. It\u2019s about impact. And we want you to be part of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Future Home: A Space Designed to Empower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Located at <strong>2393 Botanical Drive<\/strong> in Fitchburg, right at the corner of Syene and Lacy Road, our future 8,000 sq ft Playhouse will sit proudly on land we will <em>own<\/em>, with our own <strong>parking lot<\/strong>, room to grow, and spaces built with care, heart, and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what\u2019s coming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Expanded learning labs and offices<\/strong> to fuel growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>fully accessible sensory room<\/strong>, designed for calming and focus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>gym and full kitchen<\/strong> to build skills and independence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community gathering spaces<\/strong> to bring everyone together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A fenced-in outdoor playground<\/strong> and <strong>raised garden beds<\/strong> for hands-on learning and play<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And so much more&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This space will not only meet our current needs, it will honor our vision to serve more families, more deeply, for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the Team Behind the Momentum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This moment wouldn\u2019t be possible without the passionate group of people working behind the scenes to make it happen. For the past 18 months, our Build Campaign Committee has poured their time, talents, and heart into moving this dream forward. You can learn more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/board-members\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/board-members\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">board members<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/team\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/team\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">committee members<\/a> on our website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Campaign Committee Members:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Brian Arndt, Co-Chair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kelly Antonson- Executive Director\/ Co-Chair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kim Arndt- Past Board President <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sarah Berndt- Board President <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brett Bauch- Treasurer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amy Ulrich- Grant Writer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Julie Byrnes- Committee Member<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Special thanks to <strong>Amanda White Consulting<\/strong> for their invaluable guidance in the early stages of this project. Their insight helped lay a solid foundation for the campaign\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Time is Now<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We purchased <strong>our land and broke ground early December 2025<\/strong> and are on schedule to complete construction by end of Summer 2026. Every gift, every share, every connection brings us closer to opening the doors on a space that will change lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re proud to have incredible partners on our side who believe in this mission as much as we do:<br>\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f <strong>Sara Investment Real Estate<\/strong><br>\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f <strong>JG Development (Supreme Structures)<\/strong> <strong>and Powers Consulting<\/strong><br>\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f <strong>Sketchworks Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are listening, advising, and helping us balance cost, quality, and care, ensuring our new home is both beautiful and sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Join Us<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is more than a building. It\u2019s a bold investment in a future where individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities are empowered, celebrated, and supported\u2014<em>every step of the way.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <strong>many meaningful ways<\/strong> to support our Build Campaign:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc99 <strong>Room Naming Sponsorships<\/strong> \u2013 Leave a lasting legacy by sponsoring a room in honor of your family, business, or a loved one. Want to rally others to help you name a room? <strong>You can even create your own personal fundraising page<\/strong>, and we\u2019ll walk you through the process. It\u2019s easy and incredibly impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc99 <strong>Become a 321 Build Believer<\/strong> \u2013 Join our community of monthly donors by giving $21 to $321 or any amount that\u2019s meaningful to you. This is a simple, sustainable way to power progress and show your commitment to building a more inclusive future. Every monthly gift builds momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc99 <strong>Individual Gifts of Any Amount<\/strong> \u2013 Every dollar matters and moves us closer to our goal. Whether it&#8217;s $25 or $25,000, your gift will be matched (2:1) and help create a space filled with learning, laughter, and belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Help us get there. <strong>Donate. Share. Advocate. Believe.<\/strong><br>Together, let\u2019s build something extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/support.gigisplayhouse.org\/madison-believe-in-our-build\/home\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/support.gigisplayhouse.org\/madison-believe-in-our-build\/home\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VISIT OUR CAMPAIGN PAGE<\/a> to learn more about the project and how you can get involved!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have questions?<\/strong> Contact our Executive Director, Kelly at kantonson@gigisplayhouse.org <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building Dreams Together for the Down syndrome Community! \ud83d\udc49&nbsp;VISIT OUR CAMPAIGN PAGE&nbsp;to learn more about the project and how you can get involved! Visit our photo album to see frequent construction pictures! Project Update: 5\/13\/26 We are almost 95% funded for our capital campaign. Read about the $900,000 grant we received HERE! Project Update: 4\/11\/26&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":242,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1640,1644,1568,1562,1487,13,1551],"tags":[1643,1642,905,23,336,22,1039],"class_list":["post-142958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-anniversary","category-capital-campaign","category-community","category-donors","category-down-syndrome","category-events","category-fundraising","tag-build","tag-capital-campaign","tag-community","tag-down-syndrome","tag-gigisplayhouse","tag-madison","tag-nonprofit"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/242"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142958"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142958\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}