21 Fast Facts about GiGi’s Phoenix/Scottsdale

  1. As of February 14, 2015, we were the 21st GiGi’s Playhouse location to be opened. The number 21 is extremely significant in the Down syndrome community; Down syndrome is caused by the presence of a third 21st chromosome.photo-2
  2. GiGi’s Playhouse offers free programs that are educational and therapeutic in nature to individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families and the community.coy
  3. GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale is located at 9160 E Shea Blvd Suite 103B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. image2[1]
    1. The idea to open a GiGi’s Playhouse in Arizona was brought up by President Jennifer Gage, Lesley Robertson, and Valere Schlesinger. 334034_187745407991598_2063804214_o11141218_855351597859818_3888015564886039115_n
  4. Our Phoenix/Scottsdale Board consists of our passionate board members as well as an Honorary Board Member with Down syndrome, Brett who is also a participant and volunteer!IMG_3303
  1. Both of our Site Coordinators – Sheri and Cathy – were part of our Startup Committee back in October 2013.11149263_855347081193603_6220515901101941698_n
  2. The Playhouse just celebrated its first anniversary in Arizona on Valentine’s Day.12717807_1004670139594629_8534091930546796841_n
  3. Our database currently has over 400 amazing individuals that have been trained to volunteer at GiGi’s. Last year alone we logged over 4,000 volunteer hours.IMG_3340
  4. We are always looking for individuals to join our amazing team of volunteers.phoenix-2
  5. We serve about 156 families in Arizona that have children with Down syndrome through our eleven programs for children 6 months and older as well as literacy tutoring for children at least 3 years old.11390072_878193198908991_5576849146853517324_n
  6. Each month, we have an average of two to three new families join our Playhouse.image2
  7. During the month of February alone, we had 259 participants attend our various programs and our volunteers donated nearly 300 hours of their time and talent.IMG_3304
  8. Our literacy tutoring program is currently in its third session and continues to grow rapidly; there is a 30% increase in participation with each session.lit2
  9. By the end of this year, we hope to launch our math tutoring program which will be joining our literacy tutoring program.603875_826119520783026_2847253944852800828_n
  10. In the next year, we plan to expand GiGi’s to include GiGi U and Hugs+Mugs. GiGi U or GiGi University is an innovative and educational program for adults with Down syndrome. The program is offered free of charge and focuses on development of confidence, health and wellness, career skills and interests. GiGi University was designed to motivate and train adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential. The adults from GiGi U are involved in all aspects of running the Hugs+Mugs store as part of a hands-on job training internship.10393545_877455088993429_8812006330765407366_n
  11. We have partnered with Scottsdale Leadership Group to spread the word about GiGi’s Playhouse and Down syndrome throughout Arizona.IMG_3302
  12. We are 99% volunteer based and donor funded.20150822_104240
  13. The Playhouse would like to thank our corporate sponsors such as PayPal, Pinnacle Fitness, AZ on the Rocks, Twine.it, Mountain Brook Golf Club, Primp and Blow, Pulte Group, Chick-Fil-A, the Arizona Coyotes, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Valley Toyota Dealers, Rockbar Scottsdale, Whiskey’s Quicker, Village Health Clubs & Spas, The Vig, Orangetheory Fitness, Four Peaks Brewing Company, Pita Jungle, Foosia, Sound Lighting Fx, True Hot Yoga, Troon Country Club, Scottsdale Schummacher, Mercades-Benz, Republic Media, Tavern Americana, Pourmasters, Crystal Falls Pools, the Sydney Hudson Foundation, and CVS for all of their generous support.FB_IMG_1448417711139
  14. GiGi’s would also like to thank the Schlesinger Family Trust, Desert Foundation Auxiliary, Scottsdale Leadership Group, National Charity League, Boys Team Charities, the Coyotes Foundation, The Valley Newsroom, and all of the individuals, businesses, and charities that have supported us for their generous time, supply, and monetary donations.12196094_951813641546946_7265851869177542840_n
  15. At our 2015 Gala, the community raised over $70,000 for the Playhouse.11155101_355457324644929_4163643391916368156_o
  16. Our 2016 I Have a Voice ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ Gala will be held at Windgate Ranch in Scottsdale on April 22!gala-slider-phoenix

Comment your own fast fact that isn’t on this list below!

Recent Posts

BrettsMarchBlog

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .”

I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends..... They are so awesome!  Meet my new friend Nikki.😀.  She recently joined GiGi’s Playhouse...

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .”

I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends..... They are so awesome!  February is a month that has Valentine’s Day in it....

No Surprises – Preparing for the Graduation Cliff

What’s Happening: Students with disabilities (SWDs) can take extra time to prepare for the transition to college and career, and in Arizona, they can stay in...

Leave a Comment