GiGi’s NYC Quarterly Highlights: January – March 2023

2023 got off to an amazing start! GiGi’s NYC recently closed out our Winter Semester, which started with the launch of three new programs and culminated in numerous World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations, with so many highlights in between! Check out the recap below to read about our amazing first quarter:

• We launched the following new programs:
  • Film Making aims to teach skills in script writing, acting, directing, and set/costume design and will culminate in a filmed performance at the end of our spring semester, with GiGi’s NYC participants as the stars of the show. This program was the brainchild of our amazing participants and GiGi’s NYC is thrilled to bring this to life with them!
  • Music allowed our participants to tap into their inner rock star and let their voices shine while singing a variety of fun and empowering songs!
  • Participants of Destination Discovery engaged in games and activities that support the development of fine and gross motor skills, social skills, language and communication skills through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. 
• Alexa Arzano, third-year student at New York Law School, hosted our community for a presentation on Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making. 
• We celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by engaging in conversation about Dr. King’s historic and revolutionary contributions to Harlem and beyond, and how we can continue his legacy through the creation of vision boards.
• We hosted a Valentine’s Day themed party and designed our very own Valentine’s Day cards.
• We hosted our first Sports Clinic of 2023, which was an afternoon of basketball and soccer drills and a whole lot of fun!
• Unique Movers joined us again to teach dance and movement skills to our community. Their mission is to spread the love of dance to those with differing developmental, physical, or behavioral needs in a more relaxed and inclusive dance environment.
• Coach Dave hosted us for a Party Animals Dance Party, encouraging our participants to come dressed as their favorite feathered or furry friend and dance their tail off! Coach Dave is the former Coordinator of Brooklyn programs for GiGi’s NYC, as well as Coordinator of the Barefoot Boogie NYC, and founder of Brooklyn Boogie. He has been hosting dance parties for over 20 years professionally, and teaches inclusive dance classes full-time for the NYC DOE.
• Our 5th Annual Fashion Show was a huge success, our first full-scale in-person Fashion Show since 2019. As usual, our model participants were FIERCE on the runway – they served looks, they exuded confidence, and they proved, yet again, why inclusion matters. Our Fashion Show caught the attention of Cheryl Wills from NY1 News and was even featured in Harper’s Bazaar. What an honor! You can watch the NY1 News reel  here, read the article in Harper’s here, and you can watch the event  here.
• We had no shortage of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) Celebrations:
  • On the last day of our Winter 2023 semester, our participants went to see the movie “Champions,” which features multiple actors with Down syndrome.
  • On WDSD:
    • Our participants gathered at the plaza outside of the TODAY show to represent the Down syndrome community, along with Extra Lucky Moms.
    • Microsoft hosted several of our participants for a fireside chat where they discussed their achievements and future goals in front of a live audience.
    • The NY Islanders hosted us at UBS Arena as their charity partner. GiGi’s NYC Ambassador, Fatima, works at the concession stand and was thrilled to see our community members there for the game. Our participants, their family members and our volunteers sold raffle tickets to patrons, and raised a record amount! In addition, our Co-Founder Debbie Morris spoke about GiGi’s NYC during intermission. Check her out on the jumbotron ! Our participants, Sophia and Malik, then waived the flag!
    • Alivia announced its Spring 2023 collection in collaboration with GiGi’s NYC participant, Stephanie. To learn more about the World Down Syndrome Day launch, check out this article published in WWD.
    • Kendra Scott partnered with us to offer 20% back on purchases made between 3/25-3/27 in honor of World Down Syndrome Day!
  • Beloved participant and GiGi’s NYC Ambassador, Malik, starred in this PSA about inclusivity.

We are extremely thankful for all our amazing participants, families, volunteers, donors and community partners. We can do what we do because of YOU!