On the go in November!

Can we just start with a big ol WOO-HOO!? November was filled to the brim with awesome! It is December, I am home and while the work continues I am happy to have a little time to breath, after all, we accomplished in November!

Let’s start back at the beginning of the month! I do not know how to describe the energy behind the 5 days, Bigger Better Stronger Together, conference other than it lived up to its name!!!!  I am exhausted, energized and ready to go! We had 70 facilitated sessions by amazing staff members, volunteers, and outside speakers!!  Our interns from Hugs and Mugs introduced speakers and they were amazing! Our Saturday was kicked off with an amazing speech from Intern, Kiera and her hard work and dedication to GiGi’s Playhouse was evident and inspiring to all.  This year I invited some local big donors to see what it is all about and they were blown away!!  We are legit!!  It was so cool to take over the entire Hyatt Regency!! Check out more on our Conference wrap up page HERE

During the conference, we debuted a project I am just thrilled about! “How I Learn” is a tool we know is going to help family, friends, educators, playhouse volunteers and more! I am so proud of the work that went into this tool and the reaction we have seen already!  Take a peek!

Next up I was honored to share the GiGi’s vision (with my girl right by my side) with The Whitney Reynolds Show!

FAMILY Break! In the middle of all of this, my first born celebrated his 21st birthday! 21 years ago Franco made me a mom for the first time. It was so scary, and we almost lost him, but since that day he has brought nothing but joy, love, and laughter into our lives! It is impossible to put into words the love he gives to others and how he makes them feel. I am so proud of the guidance you give to your sisters and to me! I never thought I would be taking advice from the boy whose friends fell through our ceiling….OK, I will not go there! Just the other day I called into Hugs & Mugs to place an order, and Patrick one of our amazing interns answered the phone at the end of taking my order he ends our conversation by saying “bye!! I love you!” Now that’s a store I want to shop at!! I love you too Patrick! Franco Gianni, help trained him well! Yup, I am a proud mom!

After a week of family, fun and lots of laughs it was time to roll up the sleeves and share the GiGi’s story with everyone on social media! Giving Tuesday! This is a huge day of giving and one that GiGi’s Playhouse has not put a big focus on in years past but the team said we could do it and wow did we ever!  The Coleman Foundation and an anonymous (generous) donor stepped up and pledged to match the giving Tuesday donations! The GiGi’s team got to work and we made sure all of our amazing believers knew we had the chance to make a huge impact, wow did people “show up”! It was a blast to show off the magic inside GiGi’s Playhouse each day all the while friends, family and those who simply believe in the potential of individuals with Down syndrome were collectively donating! Together we raised over $60,000! You can see some great highlights HERE

Next, it was time to hit the road! Off to New York City with my partners in crime Clare Mitchell and Kimberly Hanna! We had the biggest meeting in GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc. history!! I am so blessed to be surrounded by their incredible talent and an army of amazing GiGi’s Believers!! Thank you all!! Details of meeting to follow soon! With all of that excitement swirling in my head and heart I jumped on a plane to visit Texas where I was honored to speak at the West Texas Down Syndrome Health Symposium that was sponsored by GiGi’s Playhouse El Paso and Global Down Syndrome Foundation! What a day filled with inspiration!

Phew! Now it’s time to settle into the slow no rushed pace of December…..wait a minute 😉 GiGi has her list made, there is holiday fun and meetings with some of my favorite people waiting!

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