We had a ball! 2025 Gala

We had a ball at our annual fundraising gala on Saturday, October 18^th. Close to 300 people were in attendance, and we raised just over $98,000 to ensure GiGi’s can continue providing FREE purposeful programs for individuals with Down syndrome here in the Quad Cities. We’d love to reach $100,000, and there’s still time to donate. If you were unable to attend, we could use your help!

The evening featured inspiring words from our special guests, entertainment by GiGi’s participants, and more!

Andrew Stutzke, WQAD

Andrew was back again this year, and he did an amazing job keeping us moving along and also assisting with the fund-a-need. It’s always a pleasure to have him in attendance. His friendly demeanor and humor are perfect for a GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities event.

Additional thanks to WQAD for being the media sponsor for the 2026 event!

Nathan Bates, Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities & Gavin, too

Nathan and Gavin kicked off the night with a short welcome and monologue about Gavin’s favorite things about the playhouse.

I am honored to be part of our playhouse in a different capacity now, but I can attest that my family has had a ball at the playhouse over these last 14 years…. Gavin, earlier this week, I asked you “what is your favorite part about GiGi’s?”  What did you tell me? 

Gavin: I like seeing Pam!  

Nate: I hope that gives you a little insight into what I’m up against.  Buddy, we all like seeing Pam! Now, what is your favorite program at GiGi’s?  

Gavin: I like Art Explosion and Rock Band!  

Nate: Those are two pretty great programs that get to tap into your talents and passions.  Those programs, and EVERYTHING that happens at GiGi’s is made possible by the people who attend and support this event– our donors and our sponsors.

Anna & Abby, GiGi’s Board Member and GiGi’s Participant

Anna: Many of you may know that we live in a rural area and make GiGi’s a priority in our lives. We feel that the time and travel are worth it. Not only does Abby have a ball during all the programs she attends but we do too. 

Abby: I love welcoming people to the playhouse and being part of rock band too! 

We shared this fun video of when Abby was surprised to see herself on our first ever billboard. She was so excited to see herself but also to be representing GiGi’s and Down syndrome awareness month.

Matt & Kathy Karstens, Amelia’s Parents

Whenever we drive down John Deere Road or stop at Chick-fil-A Amelia will tell us that GiGi’s is right there and asks if we are going to the playhouse. Amelia and our family absolutely love GiGi’s Playhouse. Every time we walk through the doors, we have a ball, and Amelia definitely thinks she’s the queen of the playhouse.  In all seriousness, GiGi’s is so much more than a center; it’s a place where hope, joy, and possibility shine every single time we walk through the doors. From the caring staff who celebrate every small triumph, to the unique programs — speech, literacy, music makers or Gigi’s Kids Kitchen, and our family and friends who come out to support the playhouse, attending events, volunteering and serving on the board — that help our kids grow in confidence at their own pace while having a place to call their own. There’s something so powerful about being surrounded by people who see our children for who they are, believe in their potential, and support and celebrate Amelia and our family. It doesn’t matter if it’s a class, a therapy session, or just playtime — those moments here fill our hearts, lift our spirits, and remind us, most importantly, we’re not alone. We have a village and we all have a ball!

Does it look like he’s having a ball?

Auctioneer – Jon Bloomberg with Bloomberg Auctions

Jon and his crew faciltiated the live auction, which raised over $5000.

SAS DJ

We hit the dance floor promptly at 8:30, and the DJ kept that dance floor full all night long! SAS DJ will be invited back to party with us next year!

GiGi’s Dancers & Entertainment

Dancers

• Amelia Karstens
• Auden Johnson
• Caleb Vasques Cruz
• Emma Hassebrock
• Grace Houser
• Pax Oliver
• Zoey Yaklich
• Led by: Maddie Blackbourn and Isabella Hart

Rock Band

• Abby Carmichael
• Amelia Adamson
• Gavin Bates
• Griffin Garro
• Kayla Behnke
• Lisa Takemoto
• Luke Frutiger
• Caitlin Ghere
• Led by: Misty Dais, Erin Hopkins, Leia Hagerman, Elsa Dais, Mikey Dais, and Addison Meyer

Entertainment

Kate Holsen – Part of Your World

Infinity Photography & Snap Wagon Photobooth

Nicole with Infinity Photography was with us again this year, capturing all the special moments. Plus a special photo booth opportunity using our royal backdrop and the Snap Wagon Selfie Station. The photos from the selfie station can be seen here.

Sponsors

Rhythm City Casino

We can’t thank Rhythm City Casino enough for their partnership to make this event possible. The staff are great to work with, the room was stunning, and the steak was yummy!

Awards & Recognition

• Jade Weller – Participant & Volunteer of the Year
• Leiby Family – Generation G
• Misty Dais – Program Leader of the Year
• Dr Erin Hopkins – Program Leader of the Year
• Kate Holsen – Special Recognition

Volunteers

It takes a team to make this event run smoothly, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing volunteers! Thank you to everyone who helped with registration, the raffle, Heads or Tails, and Crown the Bottle. Plus the many others who assisted with setting up and cleaning up.

Gala Planning Committee

This dedicated group meets throughout the year to plan and organize this event. If you’d like to join them in planning the 2026 event, please reach out to one of them to learn more!

• Meribeth Johnson, Board Member
• Carissa Hassebrock
• Tim Gulbranson
• Heather Matzen
• Mary Kilburg
• Jackie Hassebrock
• Pam Lynch, Marketing & Events Coordinator

📷Photos from the 2025 Gala can be seen here as they become available. We’d love to see your picture too! Use this link to upload any that you’d like to share!