Posts by Paula Capone

I just received an email from a teacher from Poplar Grove Elementary School. This teacher spear-headed a coin drive in the school in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. She also invited me out to speak to all the classes about Down syndrome and what GiGi’s Playhouse provides for the community. Here is an email…

As I sat in my office today, I was scrolling for information on Down syndrome so that I could post something educational about DS. Rather, I was lead to a YouTube video of Heath White. An inspirational man who has a daughter named Paisley. The two have a very special bond. I encourage you to…

It is very important for all of us to have swim lessons and people with Down syndrome are no different. Please read the following email that I received after announcing our partnership with Catch the Wave Swim Club. Hey Paula, When I was young boy I took swimming lessons at our local YMCA. The instruction…

What a great time we had at our first Teen Time for summer 2013.  We were all greeted by Loves Park Police Office Brian.  Brian opened his squad car for us to take a peek at.  We even sounded the siren.  That sure started the day out right.  We made our lunch of grilled cheese…

WOW!  GiGi’s Playhouse was rockin Sunday night.  We had family fun with our friends from Back Country Roads. GiGi’s Rockford wanted to kick off Summer in style, how better to start our summer than to have a Rockin Parking Lot Party!  We had tasty burgers and hot dogs cooked by our favorite cook Hal.  YUMMY!!!  We danced…

Elijah Cummings completed his Eagle Scout project last week.  Elijah built a picnic table and two trash can holders.  Our new out door area is more complete now thanks to Elijah and his fellow scouts.  We love spending time out back at GiGi’s whether we are just hanging out or playing basketball or riding trikes. …

On May 18th Belvidere Central Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted their 3K Fun Run/Walk to benefit GiGi’s Playhouse-Rockford. It was a beautiful Saturday morning to get up early for a walk or run.  We all had a great time with several GiGi families and some of our board members participating.  Several of the members of the Belvidere Central Middle School…

It’s Spring!  We can feel it in the warm air and see it in the green grass and beautiful flowers.  Spring time at GiGis is always busy and we are beginning to utilize some of our outdoor space to have fun in.  Our basketball hoop is up and we have had a cookout, for example. We have…

Our Gala is one week away and we are ready for you!     Our centerpieces are done and they look fantastic!     We are excited to have Dr. Brian Skotko, M.D., M.P.P., as our guest speaker.   A world reknowned geneticist and co-director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. A…