CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEWS
FREE PROGRAMS
62 LOCATIONS
GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE
A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni
Hello GiGi's Change Makers!
As a parent, there’s nothing like watching your child put themselves out there. No matter how old they are, you worry. You want the world to see them exactly as you do.
A few weeks ago, GiGi did just that — she put herself out there. She created a video encouraging people to give up the R-word for Lent. It was short and sweet. Nothing more.
But what followed was shocking: GiGi was met with trolls, hatred, and people calling her the R-word. As a mom, it crushed me. How could people be so cruel? But as the founder of this organization, it reminded me how much work there still is to do
But the good news? GiGi has also been met with incredible support. At our National Gala two weeks ago, she felt it firsthand: a room full of people cheering her on and showing love for her and all her friends with Down syndrome.
Despite everything, GiGi will continue to show the world that her voice matters. She’s not backing down.
And neither are we! At GiGi’s Playhouse, March is a month-long celebration leading up to World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. Throughout the month, we’re highlighting how individuals with Down syndrome are Born to be Heard. Their voices deserve to be seen, listened to, and celebrated every single day.
Thank you for standing by this incredible population. Your belief in what’s possible is making all the difference. Please take a moment to read the rest of our March newsletter and see all the amazing things happening across our Playhouses this World Down Syndrome Day and beyond!
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
Building a safer future together: GiGi’s Playhouse and Sunbelt Rentals
Something exciting is happening behind the scenes at GiGi’s Playhouse.
This month, our team is traveling to the United Kingdom alongside the Sunbelt Rentals U.S. team to observe their nationally recognized Safety Program in action.
Daniell Bargstadt, Senior Director of Programs, and Christina Reaves, Chief Operations & Programs Officer, will meet with the Sunbelt UK team and visit schools where their safety education program is currently being delivered to students. Seeing the program firsthand will allow them to observe how the curriculum is taught, how students engage with the material, and how safety awareness is integrated into real-world learning environments.
This visit marks the discovery phase of a new initiative being developed for the GiGi’s Playhouse network.
Together with Sunbelt Rentals, we are designing a comprehensive Safety Awareness Program that will bring practical safety education to individuals with Down syndrome and their families across our Playhouses. The program will focus on essential skills like home safety, community awareness, emergency preparedness, workplace safety, and digital safety.
The insights gained from this visit will help shape a pilot program that will soon launch at several Playhouse locations in the United States.
This partnership represents something powerful: when corporate leaders and nonprofit organizations come together with a shared mission, we can create programs that truly change lives.
And this is just the beginning.
What happens when the world truly listens?
Individuals with Down syndrome aren’t standing on the sidelines. They are stepping forward, showing that their perspectives, abilities, and dreams matter.
Most importantly, they’re showing the world that their voices cannot be ignored.
This World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), GiGi’s Playhouse isn’t just celebrating Down syndrome; we’re showing the world that individuals with Down syndrome were Born to be Heard.
Here are some ways you can help amplify voices this World Down Syndrome Day:
- Help Voices be Heard: Consider making a recurring or one-time gift to help GiGi’s sustain over 400,000 hours of free, life-changing programming that amplifies these voices.
- Follow the Movement: Join the celebration and follow along as we share the stories of Andy, Braden, Hadlie, and more individuals who were Born to be Heard.
- Share Your Born to be Heard Story: Every voice matters, and we want to hear yours! Tell us how you—or someone you love with Down syndrome—have stepped boldly into the world. Your story could inspire others and be featured in our Born to Be Heard celebration.
- Spread Representation: Give the gift of representation with #GenerationG Magazine or Harry Moon’s GiGi’s Journey, perfect for families, friends, and classrooms.
Braden’s first job: From tutoring to triumph
Even when you have a goal in mind, achieving it can feel like a big step.
Braden, a participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas and a recent high school graduate, has always dreamed of having a job. During a recent Literacy Tutoring session, his tutor, Denise, asked him about his future, and Braden didn’t hesitate. He knew what he wanted: a job.
Denise didn’t just believe in Braden; she rolled up her sleeves and helped make it happen. Together, they worked on reading, completing, and submitting his very first job application.
Then came the big moment: Braden walked confidently into Jason’s Deli for his interview, aced the interview, and...
He got the job!
Braden’s mom, Sonja, shared: This moment has been a long time coming, and it began with an incredible woman named Denise, one of our amazing GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas volunteers.
Through the guidance and dedication of volunteers like Denise, Braden is proving that his dreams are possible. We are so proud of him for taking this huge step toward independence and grateful to businesses like Jason’s Deli for embracing inclusive hiring and seeing ability, not limitation.
We can’t wait to see where Braden’s journey takes him next at GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas!
The GiGi's 5k is here — Kicking off on WDSD!
This March 21st — World Down Syndrome Day — three of our Playhouses, Atlanta, Everett, and Chattahoochee Valley, will launch the 2026 season of the GiGi’s 5K — Dash for Down Syndrome!
While WDSD celebrations often happen inside the Playhouses, this 5K takes the energy beyond our walls and into the community.
Whether you run, walk, roll, or cheer from the sidelines, this 5K is for EVERYONE! Individuals with Down syndrome, families, friends, and neighbors will all come together to celebrate ability, inclusion, and acceptance in communities across the country.
The GiGi’s 5K is more than a fun day; it’s our largest peer-to-peer fundraiser, fueling our 400,000 hours of free programs annually.
And we’re just getting started! The GiGi’s 5K will continue throughout the year in cities across the country, giving every Playhouse the chance to celebrate, connect, and make an impact beyond their doors.
Ready to join the movement? Find a 5K near you!
Growing with GiGi’s: Mary’s volunteer journey
Relationships grow. They often start small but deepen over time. Volunteering at GiGi’s is no different. Mary, a dedicated volunteer from our Cleveland Playhouse, is proof of that.
Mary’s connection to GiGi’s started through family: her daughter-in-law’s sister, Kiera, was one of the first participants at the National Playhouse. Inspired by the impact she saw, Mary knew that when Cleveland opened its doors, she wanted to be part of it.
She began by lending her time wherever it was needed, and over time, her involvement grew. Initially, Mary began by helping behind the scenes at fundraising events. Today, Mary’s role at the Playhouse has grown tremendously. She tutors, supports adult programs, and continues to bring dedication and heart to every role she takes on.
Mary’s story shows that volunteering at GiGi’s isn’t just about giving; it’s about building connections and making a lasting impact.
Want to be like Mary? No matter your interests, there’s a volunteer role that’s right for you.
Check out the latest from our blog
