A Friendsgiving to Remember: Celebrating Community, Gratitude, and Inclusion

On November 17, 2025, GiGi’s Playhouse had the joy of partnering with the Town of Cary’s Specialized Recreation Department to host our very first Friendsgiving celebration—and what a meaningful day it was. This special event brought together 10 GiGi’s adult program participants and 5 participants from the Town of Cary’s Specialized Recreation programs for an afternoon filled with connection, laughter, and gratitude.

From the moment everyone arrived, the energy in the room was warm and welcoming. Participants were divided into two groups and rotated through a variety of Thanksgiving-themed activities designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and fun. Each station offered something unique, allowing everyone to engage in ways that felt exciting and accessible.

One of the highlights of the event was the hands-on cooking experience. Thanks to the generosity of the Town of Cary, all food and ingredients were provided, giving participants the opportunity to work together to prepare the entire Friendsgiving menu themselves. With guidance and lots of encouragement, participants made turkey sliders topped with cranberry sauce, colorful vegetable cups, trail mix, pumpkin pie cups, and festive seasonal drinks. The cooking stations buzzed with conversation, cooperation, and pride as participants measured, mixed, assembled, and tasted their creations. There was a true sense of accomplishment knowing that the meal was prepared by the group, for the group.

Gratitude was at the heart of the celebration. During a gratitude leaf crafting activity, each participant shared something they were thankful for—family, friends, health, opportunities, and the joy of being together were common themes. These reflections were written onto leaves and displayed together, creating a powerful visual reminder of how much there is to be grateful for when we pause to share our stories. The simple act of expressing gratitude fostered meaningful connections and allowed participants to learn more about one another in a heartfelt way.

The fun continued in the gym, where laughter echoed throughout the space. Participants took turns at “gourd bowling,” quickly discovering how tricky it can be to knock down pins with a round, uneven squash. The turkey-baster relay had everyone cheering each other on, while the sweet-potato-between-the-knees race brought plenty of smiles and laughter. These movement-based games encouraged friendly competition, teamwork, and lots of joy, reminding everyone that movement can be both playful and inclusive.

Thanksgiving trivia added another layer of excitement, challenging participants to work together and test their holiday knowledge. Whether answering questions correctly or learning something new, everyone was engaged and eager to participate.

This inaugural Friendsgiving was more than just a holiday celebration—it was a beautiful example of what can happen when organizations come together with a shared commitment to inclusion and community. The partnership between GiGi’s Playhouse and the Town of Cary’s Specialized Recreation Department created a space where participants could build friendships, try new activities, and feel truly celebrated.

As the event came to a close, it was clear that this Friendsgiving left a lasting impression on everyone involved. We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Cary for their collaboration, generosity, and support in making this day so special. We look forward to many more opportunities to gather, celebrate, and give thanks together in the future.