Generation G
Passion in Action: Fran’s Incredible Impact on LMNOP
We are so excited to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on Fran — a dedicated, compassionate leader who has made an extraordinary impact on our GiGi’s community. Fran is a former Special Education and Reading Intervention Teacher who has been volunteering with us for just over a year. From the very beginning, she brought a wealth…
Read MoreSmall Steps, Big Milestones: Celebrating Alton
We’re thrilled to spotlight Alton — lovingly known as Al — a bright and joyful two-year-old who has become a familiar and much-loved face at GiGi’s over the past year. From the moment he walks through the doors, Al brings an infectious energy that lights up the room. His warm smile, curious spirit, and eagerness…
Read MoreCreating with Confidence: The Launch of GiGi’s Studio
A recent Playhouse inspiration was the launch of something truly special: the very first GiGi’s Studio, a collaborative arts program designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and community. This new initiative brings a local Artist in Residence into the Playhouse to work closely with small groups of two to four participants in a supportive, hands-on studio…
Read MoreExciting New Clubs Launch at Fantastic Friends in 2026
We are thrilled to share an exciting evolution of our Fantastic Friends program in 2026! This year, we’ve introduced a brand-new lineup of CLUBS designed specifically for our adult population—and the impact has already been incredible! One of the most meaningful changes has been our shift to smaller group sizes supported by an increased number…
Read MoreShining the Spotlight on an Extraordinary Volunteer
We are incredibly grateful to recognize Diane as our Volunteer Spotlight. Diane embodies the heart of what it means to be a GiGi’s Playhouse volunteer, and we are thankful for the care, intention, and thoughtfulness she brings to everything she does. What we value most about Diane is her consistent focus on reflection and growth—she…
Read MoreA Season of Joy, Inclusion, and Holiday Magic
As the holidays wind down, we’re still feeling the cheer all around, reminiscing on a particularly magical day in December. Rooms full of smiles, laughter, and joy, as friends and families gathered to celebrate the season and our community. In collaboration with the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance, we hosted our annual Triangle Family Holiday…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreSpreading Holiday Cheer With SAS: A Partnership That Continues to Shine
There is something truly special about the way the holiday season brings people together, and this year, our friends at SAS proved once again just how powerful community partnerships can be. For the second year in a row, SAS invited our GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh Handbells group to perform at their company holiday party—and once again,…
Read MoreGreat Things are Growing Here!
After much planning, the seeds we planted have begun to sprout! Introducing GiGi’s Blooms, our newest participant-run micro-enterprise program — a hands-on entrepreneurial training experience for adults with Down syndrome. Through this project, participants are learning real-world skills in management and operations, design and production, customer service and sales, and inventory and maintenance. Each month,…
Read MoreDancing Toward Inclusion: My Journey with GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh
When I think about where my values of empathy, kindness, and inclusion began, my heart immediately goes to my grandmother—my Memom. If you asked anyone about her, they’d smile, laugh, and immediately start telling stories. She was the kindest soul, the best listener, and the warmest laugh in any room. Everyone adored her, but for me, she was pure happiness. I have countless…
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