Reflecting on the 2024 GiGi’s National Conference

Each year, the GiGi’s Playhouse National Conference brings together a network of dedicated Playhouse staff, volunteers, high school students, self-advocates, and board members from across North America. This year more than 350 leaders attended! Conference is a time to recharge, connect, and celebrate the incredible impact each Playhouse has on its community. For me, this year’s conference was particularly inspiring—and humbling—as we came together to share ideas, build connections, solve challenges, and celebrate the incredible work being done across the network.

One of the most meaningful moments for GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee was receiving the 2024 Standards of Execution Champion Award, recognizing our excellence in achieving five SOEs as a Strong Center of Excellence. This honor reflects the dedication of our staff and the 99% volunteer team who tirelessly uphold the values and standards that make our Playhouse a place of hope and support. We invite you to visit the Playhouse and see the awards we’ve proudly received over the past four years!

Additionally, receiving Certificates of Center of Excellence in Marketing, Operations & Facility, Volunteer Management & HR, and achieving Strong in Programs, Family & Community, and Development & Fundraising speaks to the collective effort of everyone involved in our Playhouse. These accomplishments are a testament to the passion and commitment that drive us every day.

The conference reminded me of something powerful: while changing lives isn’t easy, it’s incredibly rewarding. Surrounded by so many selfless individuals, I left energized and inspired, ready to take GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee to new heights. Together, we’re creating solutions to meet the growing demand for our 100% free programs and finding innovative ways to make an even greater impact on individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

However, we can’t do this alone. GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee operates on a very lean budget and is made possible by the generosity of our volunteers and donors. To ensure our programs remain free and accessible to our community, we need volunteers to assist with running and managing programs and donations to support our growth. This giving season, your contributions can help us expand our programs, hire additional staff, and grow our building space to better serve families with loved ones who have Down syndrome. Give a gift of a donation to GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee today!

Thank you to everyone who plays a role in making GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee a place of acceptance, growth, and empowerment. Together, we can dream big, achieve more, and continue changing lives for the better.

Warmly,
Sara Van Deurzen
Operations Director, GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee