Superheroes Fighting for Acceptance
Our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge – Superhero 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids Dash is taking place on June 1, 2024, so we thought we would share some fun facts about the challenge.
This event is:
- a peer-to-peer event, meaning we count on you to spread the word, share the event, and invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join you. Social media is a great way to spread the word! There is a Facebook event set up linked here. Invite your friends!
- one of our largest fundraisers of the year. Our Gala scheduled for 10/19/24 is the other major fundraiser. These fundraisers are crucial to GiGi’s because as an organization that is 100% privately funded; fundraisers, grants, and private donations are what make the FREE programs possible. See more about the programs offered here.
- important to our yearly fundraising. Our goal for this event is to raise $96,000 to continue to provide FREE programming to all our participants. In 2022, we raised over $100,000!!! (As of 4/23/24, we’ve raised $43,955!)
- part of a nationwide challenge to raise acceptance. Many of the 59 Playhouses across the network are hosting local events. You can see the Playhouse Leaderboard here. (FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, QUAD CITIES HAS BEEN IN THE TOP 10, and in 2022 we were #1).
- all about team spirit. You don’t have to RUN a 5k to join a team. While many people will show up on June 1st to run or walk, it is not required for all team members to be there. Maybe you WANT to RUN the 5K but don’t want to join a team! That’s OK too!! You can also register as a virtual participant to get the event t-shirt!
- full of friendly competitions. If you cannot participate on the day of the event, you can always donate to a specific team…or even join a team as a virtual participant. The fundraising teams and GiGi’s will still greatly appreciate your support. PLUS you may just help your favorite team win one of the team challenges! (Top Fundraising, Most Teammates, Most donations, or others!)
- superhero-themed and part of registering means receiving a fun superhero shirt. Costumes are encouraged! Register before May 15th to secure your 2024 event shirt!
- held at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf, IA. Onsite registration/check-in begins at 7 am. 5K Run begins promptly at 8 am. Kids Dash is at 9:30 am and 1 Mile Walk is at 10 am.
Click the following link to learn more about the event or visit your favorite team link below to show them some love and support. https://gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/superhero-run-walk
35 Superhero Fundraising Teams as of 4/26/24
Don’t see your favorite team to support? Contact the team captain and encourage them to get their team set up!
Thank you to all the team captains for believing in the need for acceptance here in the Quad Cities and the GiGi’s mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome. Without you, this event and our Playhouse programs would not be possible!
Special incentives for fundraising teams include opportunities to:
- earn a personalized yard sign (by raising $321 before May 1st)
- receive free tickets to the 2024 gala (top fundraising team)
- see your loved one with Down syndrome featured on a window here at GiGi’s and/or in the annual calendar (based on team fundraising totals)
- be the 1st team to raise $1321 and earn a chromosome necklace (Congrats, Caitlin’s Crew)
- win a chromosome necklace (announced on March 21st – Congrats, Abby’s Awesome Team)
- VIP parking at the event (announced on March 21st – Congrats, Caitlin’s Crew)
- benefit from VIP parking/packages at the run/walk (random challenges – 1st winner Riley’s Racers)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Not a runner or walker but want to be involved and help?
This event requires a lot of hands to run smoothly. There are volunteer opportunities the week prior and the day of the event too! We promise you will have FUN!
Day of Event Volunteer Sign-Up
Pre & Post Event Volunteer Sign-Up
UPDATES
**This blog will be updated periodically to update the team list and fundraising amounts.
Check back often!
Questions?
Please contact the Playhouse at 309-762-7529 or email quadcities@gigisplayhouse.org.
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