Spreading 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, it was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. 

What makes this partnership so meaningful is the genuine enthusiasm SAS brings to every collaboration. They are not simply a corporate partner; they are a community of people who continually look for new ways to support our mission and celebrate our participants. When they first invited our Handbells group to perform last year, we had no idea that it would turn into one of the most joy-filled traditions of our holiday season. After seeing how much our participants loved the experience—and how much their employees loved having us—SAS knew immediately they wanted to make it an annual event. 

This year, they took their hospitality to a whole new level. Not only were our Handbells performers invited to share their music on stage, but they were also welcomed as honored guests for dinner, dancing, and a night full of holiday festivities. SAS created a warm, inclusive, and friendly environment where every participant felt celebrated. Our group enjoyed a delicious meal, made memories on the dance floor, and shared laughter with SAS team members throughout the evening. 

SAS also added extra touches that made the evening even more special. They created holiday crafts for our participants to make, allowing everyone to create something festive to take home. They even came up with a signature drink—“GiGi’s Juice”—which quickly became a favorite. Every detail was thoughtfully created to make our participants feel like the stars of the celebration. 

Opportunities like this mean so much to our participants. Not only do they get to share their talents and spread holiday cheer, but they also get to experience being part of the broader community in a meaningful and joyful way. We love taking our group to local businesses—not only to perform, but also to build connections, break down barriers, and show the world what individuals with Down syndrome can do when they are embraced, welcomed, and celebrated. 

Our partnership with SAS has grown far beyond this annual holiday party. Through our connection with their team, we have welcomed two incredible volunteers who now lead monthly programs at the Playhouse. Jeff, one of their employees, runs an adult Kitchen group once a month, bringing culinary creativity and confidence to our participants. Another employee, Brooke, leads a monthly adult Ballet class, combining movement, expression, and fun in a way that our community absolutely loves. These programs have become highlights of the month for many participants and are a direct result of the relationship we have built with SAS. 

Partnerships like this show just how important corporate and community connections are for organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse. When businesses choose to collaborate with us, they aren’t just offering time or resources—they are helping expand awareness, foster inclusion, and create real opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. Every invitation, every shared event, and every new volunteer helps strengthen our mission and brings visibility to the value, talents, and joy our participants bring to the world. 

And of course, no holiday celebration is complete without a little extra fun—so the night ended with karaoke! Our participants took the microphone with confidence and joy, filling the room with music, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening. 

To our friends at SAS: thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and your commitment to building a more inclusive community. You continue to show what is possible when organizations come together with open hearts and a shared belief in acceptance for all. Our handbells group left your holiday party with full bellies, full hearts, and memories we will cherish until next year.