Don’t Be Late

We recently asked a few past attendees of the “i have a Voice” Gala to write a post about their experience as an attendee. Our Site Coordinator’s sister shared this amazing write up on her blog which is in true fashion about how she is ALWAYS late for everything!! Weddings (her own), funerals, appointments, and yes the gala too!

Here is what she had to say…

Looking for a fun filled night out? “i have a Voice” Gala for GiGi’s Playhouse is where it’s at.

A lot of people in the Quad Cities don’t even know there is a resource for those thriving with Down Syndrome, and their loved ones, in Moline, Illinois.

GiGi’s Playhouse, provides so many incredible services and linkage to other services in our area, and it’s FREE. Not to mention, they throw one heck of a good fundraising party too, and that’s what I wanted to share with y’all today! I’ve attended the Gala the past two years and it is unlike any other event I’ve ever attended.

One of the very best parts, is as a guest you are showing your support, acceptance, and appreciation for this cause, as well as those living with Down syndrome. I think if you’ve read any of my previous blogs you already know my heart is huge. If I could save ALL the puppies, I would. If I could donate to EVERY charity, I would. But the Gala is a way to give back and also get something in return. Well, giving is enough of a return of course, but just in case you’re someone who wants a tangible return, keep reading.

This event is incredible. You get the chance to dress up (much fancier than a Friday date night at Texas Roadhouse), shop the enormous silent auction full of incredible products/gift cards/merchandise and possibly bring something home, enjoy a cocktail or three (no judgement here), eat a delicious meal, and be entertained by Dave Levora. Now, some of you may not know who that is. But as a 90’s kid who coveted flannel, grunge rock, and shopping at Goodwill (they had the BEST retro shirts), he is infamous. I first encountered him on Planet 93.5, blasting Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead into my ears, along with some excellent humor. Fast forward 24 years, and he is a bit of a Quad City celebrity, from Dave & Darren, Nacho Radio, and iHeartRadio. He’s witty, funny, and an all around great guy. There is also dancing, games, and some of the participants of GiGi’s provide entertainment too! These kids are amazing, and to see them have the courage to get on stage and sing, dance, play different instruments, is so heartwarming. I don’t ever want to even be on a stage, let alone the center of attention! They are some brave souls, and they rock it!

Last year, myself, Tony, and my mom all attended, as well as my sister and her husband (because she’s the Site Coordinator).

We had so much fun with at the photo booth, browsing the HUGE selection of silent auction prizes, and just chatting with our table mates over dinner. The atmosphere was simply one of warmth and kindness, and I think most of us can agree that the world needs more of that. People need more of that. I’m including some photos from last year’s Gala for you to check out, because I feel as though there are not enough words to even remotely express how much fun we had. The photo booth…..hilarious. Watching all the kids cut loose and dance their hearts out, and daughters dancing with their dads, be still my heart. The organization is amazing, the families are amazing, the whole experience is amazing. Inspirational.

As you can see, I highly recommend you grab yourself a date and get a couple tickets. How often

as an adult do you get to really get fancy, but at the same time let your hair down, forget all the stress, and be surrounded by such incredible acceptance, love, and support for a night? Throw in it’s for an amazing cause, and you’ve got yourself one special night you are sure to never forget.

So that’s that. Go order your tickets, jump on ShoeDazzle or JustFab to get yourself some dancing shoes, and I’ll see you at the Gala! ❤️

Of course, I’ll be…..LATE.

For more information about the “i have a Voice” Gala please visit: https://gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/gala