A Night to Remember: The 2025 “I Have a Voice” Gala 

On October 10th, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh hosted our annual “I Have a Voice” Gala, and it was truly a night to remember. With 300 guests in attendance, the room was filled with excitement, joy, and an overwhelming sense of community. This event serves as one of our largest celebrations of the year, bringing together families, friends, and supporters who all share one mission—to create a more inclusive world and celebrate the voices of individuals with Down syndrome. 

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, we raised an incredible amount of money to support GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh and our free, purposeful programming offered year-round. Each donation helps us continue providing life-changing programs that promote confidence, independence, and lifelong learning for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

The evening was not only about raising funds, but also about celebrating the amazing people and partnerships that make GiGi’s Playhouse possible. We are endlessly grateful for our community’s belief in our mission and their continued support of our growth. The night was beautiful in every way—filled with heartfelt moments, inspiring stories, and a shared passion for inclusion that could be felt throughout the entire room. 

We want to give a huge thank you to all of our volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the night run smoothly. From check-in and setup to helping throughout the evening, your dedication and hard work helped bring our vision for this event to life. We could not have done it without you. 

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors who made this event possible. Their belief in our mission allows us to continue growing and offering free programming to our families. Thank you to William Pfeiffer, First Bank, Triangle Physicians for Women, Indira Charitable Foundation, Alliance Health, Coca-Cola, Cary Estate Planning, Dr. Charles Ashley Mann and Associates, Urban Air Adventure Park, The Romano Family, The Rohrbaugh Family Charitable Fund, and Diamonds Direct for your incredible support. 

During the Gala, we were proud to recognize two of our amazing community partners, Raleigh Wealth Solutions and Glenaire, for their continued collaboration and dedication to GiGi’s Playhouse. Both organizations play a vital role in helping us expand our reach and impact. They represent just a fraction of the many community partners who add so much value to what we do every day. 

One of the highlights of the night was honoring our Volunteer of the Year, Jeff Rosenberg. Jeff consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does and is always ready to lend a hand whenever needed. He has built meaningful connections with our participants and is a true example of the heart and spirit that make GiGi’s Playhouse so special. 

While this event serves as an important fundraiser, it also gives our donors and guests a glimpse into our growth and the exciting programs developing at the Playhouse. This year, we were thrilled to showcase three of our newest programs: GiGi’s Blooms, GiGi’s Studio, and GiGi’s Guitar Group. Each program represents our ongoing commitment to providing innovative opportunities for our participants to learn, create, and grow. 

GiGi’s Blooms is a participant-run flower cart microbusiness where individuals learn every aspect of running a business—from arranging bouquets to sales and customer service. At the Gala, participants proudly brought their flower cart and shared their beautiful arrangements with guests, who were able to take home bouquets crafted by hand. GiGi’s Studio is a collaborative arts program where participants work alongside a local Artist in Residence to co-create original pieces. Guests were able to watch our talented artists create live art during the evening, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. Lastly, GiGi’s Guitar Group is designed for participants to learn how to play the guitar and perform music together. The group performed during cocktail hour, filling the space with music and smiles. 

The “I Have a Voice” Gala 2025 was a night filled with inspiration, gratitude, and celebration. It was a true reflection of how strong and supportive our community is and how much can be achieved when people believe in a shared mission. We are deeply thankful to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and cheered us on. Because of you, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh can continue to empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their greatest potential—today, tomorrow, and always.