Les Schwab, Delta Galil, FOX 12, iHeart Media, and More Partner with GiGi’s Playhouse Portland to Advance Down Syndrome Awareness in Oregon 🌟

GiGi’s Playhouse Portland has been busy sharing the message of acceptance for all during Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2025!

🏌️ GiGi’s Wins Big at the 2025 Oregon Charity Championship

A team representing GiGi’s Playhouse Portland tied for second place at this year’s Oregon Charity Championship on September 29th at The Oregon Golf Club.

Out of 32 charities competing for $30,000 in prize money, our team—Max Carter, Landon Banks, Zach Foushee, and Ray Richards—finished an incredible 17 under par, earning $10,000 to support free programs for individuals with Down syndrome right here in Oregon.

A huge thank you to Les Schwab Tires for sponsoring our team and to all who cheered us on!

🎉 TopGolf Gala: A Night of Fun, Friendship, and Record-Breaking Impact

On October 5th, we kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month with our 3rd Annual TopGolf Gala—and it was another sold-out success!

Over 120 guests came together for an inspiring evening featuring stories of impact, a keynote by Karen Gaffney, over 80 auction items, and plenty of TopGolf fun. Together, we raised over $120,000—a new record—to fund free educational and therapeutic programs for children and adults with Down syndrome in our community.

Our deepest thanks to our platinum and gold sponsors—Les Schwab Tires, DSP Connections, Vista Capital Partners, Lexus of Portland, and iHeart Media—and to the many families and businesses who made this night possible. Your generosity powers everything we do.

🧦 Local Sock Designers Help Oregon Step Up for Awareness

For the second year in a row, global apparel company Delta Galil teamed up with GiGi’s Playhouse Portland regulars who have Down syndrome to create something truly special:
2,000 pairs of limited-edition awareness socks in four original designs—each as unique and joyful as their creators.

Meet our 2025 designers: Cisco, Soraya, Nicole, and Isaiah.

This year, Les Schwab Tire Centers joined the fun by featuring these socks in all 74 Oregon stores throughout October!
And thanks to KPTV Fox12 and iHeart Media, even more people learned about the campaign through TV and radio stories that celebrated our mission.

🌟 KPTV’s FOX 12 Surprise Squad Visits GiGi’s Playhouse Portland!

Down Syndrome Awareness Month has been full of surprises—and one of the best came when the KPTV FOX 12 Surprise Squad stopped by GiGi’s Playhouse Portland with a wagon full of gifts and smiles!

But the real star of the day was Carina, one of our Fantastic Friends regulars!
Even though she was a little nervous about being on TV, Carina showed bravery and charm as she shared her experience at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland. Her courage exemplifies what GiGi’s strives for—changing the way the world views Down syndrome.

In partnership with Les Schwab Tire Centers, the Surprise Squad shined a spotlight on our incredible community during Down Syndrome Awareness Month, reminding everyone what acceptance, kindness, and generosity look like in action.

💜 Watch the full story here: FOX 12 Surprise Squad Gives Back to GiGi’s Playhouse

Thank you to Delta Galil, Les Schwab, iHeart Media, and KPTV Fox12 for helping Oregon celebrate acceptance, inclusion, and the incredible abilities of individuals with Down syndrome!

And thank you, Portland, for showing your support by purchasing these amazing socks!
🧦 Haven’t grabbed yours yet? Visit your local Les Schwab store before they’re gone, or head over to our DSAM Fall Fundraiser page.

💛 A Month to Remember—and a Mission That Lasts All Year

From championship golf to creative sock design, October has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.
At GiGi’s Playhouse Portland, every month is about changing perceptions, building confidence, and celebrating achievement—for individuals with Down syndrome and for the families who love them.

Ready to volunteer? Fill out our volunteer interest form!