GiGi’s Fitness Frontier 

May 20, 2024

GiGi’s Playhouse advances with the latest research on Down syndrome health  Research. Data. Medical studies.  …try not to yawn. We know all the above sounds a little boring (or a lot boring), but at GiGi’s, research and medical findings are imperative to what we do. Our programming is rooted in the latest research to ensure…

Read More

Cheryl’s story: Embracing a beautiful journey of motherhood 

May 9, 2024

**This special Mother’s Day story was submitted via #MyDsStory  Written by our guest writer, Cheryl Sewell  My son Cruz’s diagnosis was a total surprise to us when I gave birth. When he was born, he looked me right in the eyes and I immediately felt an energy and connection that I had never felt before.…

Read More

Charity boxing match to take place in Lincoln Park

May 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2024 (Chicago, IL) – Forget silent auctions or fancy galas – a different kind of charity event is hitting Chicago. Real Estate Rumble, a charity boxing event, will take place at Park West in Lincoln Park on Thursday, May 16. Sponsored by Vesta Preferred Realty, the event will showcase 20…

Read More

Annika’s story: From older sister to lifelong advocate 

April 23, 2024

**This story was submitted via #MyDsStory and won the contest! Written by our guest writer, Annika Soderfelt  Aaron, my little brother, has Down syndrome, and he is one of my best friends. He is only three years younger than I am, and the last almost 23 years with him have shaped me into the person I…

Read More

April 2024 Newsletter

April 18, 2024

Explore GiGi’s Playhouse April 2024 newsletter, celebrating a $2 million grant from MacKenzie Scott to expand free Down syndrome programs. Highlights include the GiGi’s Literacy Tutoring Program, the introduction of the GiGiFIT Movement Tracker, and Matteo’s Mighty Marchers team in the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge.

Read More

GiGiFIT Movement Tracker Helps Build Daily Wellness Habits

April 17, 2024

by Kim Hanna It’s a universal issue: most of us struggle to build fitness into our daily lives. In theory, it sounds easy, and it is…until life happens. We get busy, priorities shift, and tasks that were once daily routine get pushed to the back burner.  As parents, we naturally want to instill healthy habits…

Read More

GiGi’s Playhouse receives groundbreaking $2 million MacKenzie Scott grant 

April 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 10, 2024 – GiGi’s Playhouse, the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, has been awarded a $2 million grant by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving. With over 6,300 nonprofits applying, GiGi’s was one of only 361 organizations selected to win the prestigious grant.  Originally, GiGi’s Playhouse applied for a $1…

Read More

My Great Aunt Joanie

April 2, 2024

This story was submitted via #MyDsStory. Submit your story here before April 11 and have a chance to win $250 for you and your Playhouse. Written by our guest writer, Claire Parker My Great Aunt Joanie was born in Dillon, SC in 1950 with a third copy of her twenty-first chromosome. When her family took…

Read More

GiGi’s Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program Pairs Perfectly with March National Reading Month! 

March 29, 2024

Don’t you just love that phonemic alliteration!!  Program Pairs Perfectly!  Learning to read opens doors to inclusion in the classroom, workplace and community.  We know that visuals are key when teaching individuals with Down syndrome, so it is not surprising that reading visual language is often a strength for our participants – especially when they…

Read More

GiGi’s Playhouse announces partnership with HYROX 

March 21, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 21, 2024 – In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, GiGi’s Playhouse, the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, has partnered with HYROX America, the world’s fastest-growing fitness race. This affiliation will make GiGi’s Playhouse the Official National Charity Partner of HYROX America.  As part of the partnership, GiGi’s Playhouse…

Read More

GenerationG Community Page

August 21, 2024

Born with Down syndrome, GiGi Gianni, Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, has become an advocate for acceptance and inclusivity, a beacon of hope for those pushed to the margins of our society. Her global movement, #GenerationG, stands for every person with a disability who has ever been abused, discriminated against, or socially isolated. And…

Read More

HYROX

July 31, 2024

#Run8Give8 We’re partnering with Hyrox, a National partner and sponsor of GiGi’s Playhouse, for the #Run8Give8 campaign! All proceeds from #Run8Give8 go to GiGi’s!  #Run8Give8 is a fun fitness challenge that promotes health and wellness. The challenge is simple:  Run or walk 8km (5 miles)  Donate $8   Tag 8 friends to join the challenge on…

Read More

Steps to Start a Location

July 25, 2024

Thank you for your submission! We look forward to contacting you about starting your location. Below is an overview of the steps that you will need to complete. Before you Begin – Contact National Office & Organize Leadership Contact the National Office by sending an email to startup@gigisplayhouse.org to learn more about the process and…

Read More

In the News

June 17, 2024

Down Syndrome In The News FDA APPROVES NEW ALZHEIMER’S DRUG July 11, 2024 There are newfound grounds for optimism in the Down syndrome community.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced they’re approving Kisunla, a new drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly). Kisunla has been shown in clinical trials to slow…

Read More

(no title)

April 9, 2024

What we offer GiGi’s Playhouse offers FREE therapeutic, educational and research-driven programs to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. View our programs We are expanding our future! Help us expand our Playhouse Donate today We are expanding our future! Help us expand our Playhouse Donate today Our Mission: is to increase positive awareness of…

Read More

Protected: GiGiFIT Kids 6-9 Resources

April 6, 2024

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Read More

GenerationG Community Next Steps

January 31, 2024

 Corporate | School |  #GenerationG Magazine  |  GiGi’s Playhouse Shop Donate #GenerationG aims to be the first widespread social movement for the ENTIRE disability community and sends a global message of acceptance for ALL!  Preview text You’re now a member of the #GenerationG Community, an army of change-makers set on making the world a kinder, better place…

Read More

Protected: Dance Resources

December 9, 2023

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Read More

Protected: Music Resources

December 9, 2023

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Read More

Fundraise

November 16, 2023

Fundraise for GiGi’s Playhouse Celebration Club Celebrate your birthday, anniversary, promotion, Bar Mitzvah, or achievement (first steps, anyone?) by inviting your friends and family to support GiGi’s Playhouse. Find Out More Acceptance Challenge Corporate Opportunity Celebrate your birthday, anniversary, promotion, Bar Mitzvah, or achievement (first steps, anyone?) by inviting your friends and family to support…

Read More