World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st. It is celebrated on 3.21 to align with the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome. GiGi’s loves to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and we want you to join us! This is also a day to spread awareness and acceptance for our friends with Down syndrome.

This year we’re hosting two celebration/awareness events plus we have our annual celebration/awareness kits and shirts available!

These events are not just for GiGi’s families. They are for anyone interested in learning more about or celebrating our friends with Down syndrome! Come one, come all…community members, donors, volunteers, and more! Whatever your walk of life we’d love to have you.

BINGO, Brunch, and B-bop

Saturday, March 18th from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Augustana College (Gaval Room)

• Bingo with prizes
• Brunch with yummy food and drinks
• B-bop aka dancing and music
• Bake walk
• Tie dye blue and yellow socks to wear on 3/21
• Crafting and games
• Take home awareness/celebration kits (see below)
• Door prizes

Psst…there will be Crumble cookies and Nothing Bundt Cakes too!

This is event is for everyone! Families invite your friends and neighbors!

Follow this event on Facebook by joining the event.

Register to attend using this link.

Registrations are not required but are encouraged to help us with planning! PLUS those registered will receive parking info and any additional communication needed prior to the event.

Open House

Tuesday, March 21st from 9 am – 6 pm at GiGi’s Playhouse

The Playhouse is always open for visitors and tours but we know sometimes people are hesitant as they are afraid they are interrupting something. Stop by on WDSD to meet staff, get a tour, and learn more about GiGi’s and Down syndrome.

Between 10-11:30 am you’ll be able to meet program participants and see a program in action!

Between 5-6 pm board members will be available to speak with you! If you’ve ever wanted to know more about why they serve and/or serving on the board yourself, this is your chance to meet the current board members and ask any questions you may have.

No registration required. Just stop by between 9 am – 6 pm.

• Refreshments
• Playhouse tours given by participants, staff, or board members
• Great conversation
• Take home awareness/celebration kits (see below)
• Door prizes

Awareness/Celebration Kits

If you’d like to order/reserve yourself an awareness/celebration kit to use in your classroom, office, or home, use the link below. We’ll have one ready with your name on it packaged up according to your requests. These can be picked up at the Playhouse the days listed in the form or at the WDSD events.

We will have a limited number of kits available at the events for those that don’t order but wish to take one home.

Pre Order yours using this link. Orders close 3/15/23

World Down Syndrome Day Shirts 2023

These shirts feature the names of GiGi’s programming participants and show that GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities has been celebrating WDSD since 2011. That is the year our Playhouse opened!

There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from and they ship directly to your home. Order soon to receive by March 21st.

Order yours using this link. Orders close 3/10/23

If you have any questions, please call 309-762-7529 or email quadcities@gigisplayhouse.org.

Playhouse address is: 3906 38th Ave Moline, IL