The Dash is an event where we challenge our entire community to participate in a physical challenge to demonstrate acceptance for all. This is the third year we are organizing this for our area and expect about 400 participants to take the the challenge. We offer:

• Kids Dash – open to kids and individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Roughly 100 yards with lots of spectators cheering them all on.

• 1 Mile Walk for Acceptance – take a stroll along one of Milwaukee’s iconic lakefront parks and enjoy the view of the lake on this well marked stroller accessible route.

• 3.21 Mile Fun Run – Enjoy a spring run along a paved path through Lake Park and along the Lakefront, down the hill and up again.

Over 50 GiGi’s Playhouses across the country take part in this challenge to move for acceptance. GiGiFIT is a signature program that was designed by physical therapists, to specifically support people with Down syndrome to improve their strength, movement, coordination, and independence—all while having fun. This program is developed to meet the needs of age group to build confidence and take on life with the positivity we all need to show our Best of All! The ‘Acceptance Challenge’ is our challenge to YOU – to join us in showing the world that together we can change lives and show the world that we CAN DO ANYTHING when we are ACCEPTED in our communities!

This is the 4th annual Dash for Down Syndrome. Every year it gets a little bigger and we are looking forward to meeting even more families and friends this year!

Registering is easy using this link:  https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit-acceptance-challenge/ . We use a platform called OneCause for our events. You do have to create an account or you can login to your account if you have attended one of our other events. Make sure you choose the Milwaukee location, and your favorite team or create your own.

Creating a team – After you have registered you and all members of your household, you will be asked to create a team. Pick a name for your team and follow the prompts, upload pictures, hit save and your team will be active. You can grow your team using the tools available through the platform by inviting others to join your specific team.

No! You can register as an individual or join our Milwaukee Playhouse team. There is no size requirement for a team either. You can be a team of 1 or a team of 20+.

Registration does not close and will be active on the day of our event. However, there are dates that you need to register before to guarantee that you will get an event T-shirt and registration fees are higher on the day of the event.

This is one of GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee’s biggest fundraisers and is driven by YOU, our community! All funds go towards FREE purposeful programming to support learners throughout their lifespan. These educational, therapeutic and social programs are always free to our participants, but they are not free to us. Each GiGi’s location is responsible for generating their own funding independently of the National Office and without government support. We are proud to have served the Milwaukee area since 2015 and we look forward to continuing our mission for another 10+ years.

Teams are encouraged to have fun raising awareness and funds for our Playhouse. A list of incentives are listed on our webpage, social media sites and emailed. Sponsorships are also available for this event and we appreciate local business and foundational support. More information is available here:  https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit-acceptance-challenge/ .

You can skip the lines and pick up your packet at GiGi’s in the days before the event. Please check the calendar for details: https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/sfcalendar/ or pick them up on the day of our event at Check-in. Please allow time to get your materials. 

Shirts are included with registration for adults, kids over age 6, and individuals with Down syndrome. Children 0-5 are free to register for the event, however, if you would like to have your child receive an event shirt, you must register for one. Extra T-shirts for non-registrants are also available on our registration page. LIMITED shirts will be available at the event.

• Where do I park? 

We use the parking lot located near Lake Park Bistro. Street parking is also available. We are asking our volunteers and vendors to use street parking. The parking lot is a short walk to the event site. 

• Is there a drop off area? 

There is not a designated drop off site. The best spot to drop off your party is at the barricades at the top of the street leading down to our event area. 

• How do I check in? 

Upon arrival, volunteers should check in at the GiGi’s tent and participants should follow the signs to the registration table. Please check in to receive your event T-shirt and other information. Only one person per team needs to check in at pre-check-in or at the event. 

• Can I add people to my team on the day of? 

Yes! We will have same day registration at the check-in area; however prices do increase on the day of the event and it is much easier to register on your own device. If you can, you are welcome to scan the QR code available at the registration area and add your personal information. Event t-shirts are on a first come first serve basis for our day of registrants. T-shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by the T-shirt deadline. 

• When to arrive? 

Registration for the event starts at 8:00am. Warm ups will begin around 8:30am. Please allow time to check in, gather your team and have some fun! The festivities are set to begin at 9:00am. A detailed timeline will be available on our social media accounts, email and at the event. 

• How long should I expect the event to last? 

Most families complete the walk by 10:30am. We will hold awards and other announcements at that time. Clean-up will begin around 11am. 

• What is there to do? 

There will be a variety of vendors providing some family friendly activities, limited drinks and snacks, non-profit partners and other local businesses will also be hosting informational tables.  Additionally, there will be picture opportunities with our dinosaurs, princesses, superheroes and other fun characters. 

• Is there food and drink there? 

We will have limited snacks and drinks provided. Water stations will also be available. There is a picnic area with tables and benches, and you are invited to bring snacks and have a picnic for your team. 

• What happens if it rains or storms? 

This is a rain or shine event. If we are under a severe weather alert, we will utilize our texting option, social media and email to let our registrants know if the event is canceled. 

• Is the event accessible? Bathrooms available? 

This event is being held in a public park and we will utilize paved trails. There are a limited number of accessible parking spots. We will provide port-a-potties close to our event site. Park bathrooms are a short walk away. 

• What should I wear? 

Dress for the weather! This event is outside, and we do not have a heated or covered pavilion access.  

• Do I need cash? 

Electronic options will be available. Cash is welcome but exact change is appreciated.