5 Ways to Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2022

October is Down syndrome awareness month and while we celebrate the #BestofAll achievements of our participants every day we plan special ways to show support and celebrate in your special way throughout October.

This year we have a great lineup of activities!

Carnival

Kick-off DSAM with us on October 1 from 9 am – 11 am at Augustana Pepsico Center in Rock Island.

There will be games, treat, prizes, face painting, and more. We’re going to give away a free ticket to the upcoming gala and chances to have your loved one feature on the doors at the Playhouse.

This event is hosted by: Augustana Club ED (future educators )

PLEASE register early to help them with planning! There will be DSAM goodie bags for every family that is preregistered PLUS your name will go into the prize drawings an extra time.

Check on the event on our website calendar.

GiGi’s Cookies

Sugar a la mode in Moline is offering special GiGi’s cookies all month long and a portion of all the sales will be donated to the Playhouse. Order a dozen or two to share with coworkers, your child’s class, and others!

Orders are due by midnight on Wednesdays for pick up the following Saturday. Order must be placed online using this link.

Visit sugaralamode.com or find them on Facebook!

Tri21 Beer

We know we have some beer lovers out there! Midwest Ale Works in East Moline is brewing a special Tri21 beer for October. A portion of sales will be donated back to Playhouse. The beer will launch on October 1st. 

Visit their website or find them on Facebook!

What is Tri21 beer?

Read more about the Tri21 Project here.

We did outreach to local breweries earlier this year and Midwest Ale works answered the call.

Please show them some support as a thank you!

DSAM Shirts

You asked for them! This is the first year we’ve offered a Down Syndrome Awareness Month shirt!

Check them out on bonfire. This year’s message is changing acceptance through understanding!

YOU pick the shirt color and style!

Visit GiGi’s Playhouse Store linked here.

Gala

October 22 at Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf. Join us for A Night in Holland! If you’re confused by this year’s theme check out this Welcome to Holland poem. Join us as we take an unexpected trip to Holland where we will celebrate the very lovely things that Down syndrome brings to our world.

Go to gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/gala to learn more and register to attend. 

Want to volunteer to help make the event a success? Visit the volunteer sign-up link here!

Not able to attend? Please consider becoming a sponsor, making a donation, or providing an item for the silent auction.

Wait there’s more…

Now is your chance to tell your #MyDSstory

Share your story, your dreams for your loved one, and more on social media using the following hashtags.

#WhatsyourDSstory #MyDSstory #Downsydromeawarenessmonth #DSAM #GiGisplayhouse #GigisDSAM #Acceptance #GenerationG

We’ll share your story too on the national platform! Submit it to this dropbox link for consideration.

You have a chance to win $500 for yourself and for your local GiGi’s by submitting your story!

Help us spread awareness through understanding!