Building a Legacy of Love

At our “i have a voice” Gala last weekend, GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford was honored to present the distinguished “Inspire Award” to a couple who has built a legacy of love in our community. The Inspire Award is given to someone who inspires awareness and, through his/her actions, brings about positive change related to Down syndrome.  While the award is most often given to an individual, it can also be presented to multiple people who have worked together to create meaningful change.

Last weekend, the award was presented to a dynamic duo, so to speak, who have had years to build a remarkable relationship that has not only withstood the test of time, but has weathered the storms and challenges that inevitably come with building something significant and lasting.

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford will celebrate its 15th anniversary on January 8, 2026 in just a couple of months. Though “15” in itself is not always celebrated as anything monumental, it strikes us that nearly an entire generation of children has now been born into a world where they didn’t have to wonder what life was like for individuals with Down syndrome in the Rockford area BEFORE the Playhouse existed.

If you are wondering what that was like, by the way, there is an entire contingent of parents you could ask whose adult children regularly attend services at GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford. Rest assured that they would tell you that finding services and programs for their children to attend on a regular basis prior to 2011 was an uphill battle. They will also tell you that their children’s lives, and their own lives by extension, have improved significantly because of the opportunities the Playhouse has afforded them.

While no one person is singularly responsible for where GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford is today, we can tell you with absolute certainty that no other TWO people have as much time and energy invested — or as much skin in the game – in regard to the development, growth, and success of this organization as Penny and Hal Wirtjes.

For 15 years, these two have poured everything they have into making the world a better place for individuals with Down syndrome… in the Rockford area and beyond… and THAT is worth celebrating! There are many things you could say about what they have accomplished, but if we had to find one word to describe them, we would say that they are BUILDERS.

First, THEY BUILT INTEREST. When they set out to build a Playhouse in Rockford, they may not have been exactly sure how to do it at first, but they were on fire, and their passion was contagious.

Then, THEY BUILT SUPPORT. Having interest was one thing, but to launch a grassroots effort, you need genuine support. They started building a network of individuals and businesses who were willing to have skin in the game, as well. They leaned into their own connections and surrounded themselves with people that had the skills and the genuine willingness to help them pull it off.

Next, THEY BUILT CAPITAL. You can’t build a Playhouse on sheer will alone… you need capital. And trust me when we say that Team Wirtjes is NOT easy to say NO to!

Then, of course, THEY BUILT A PHYSICAL SPACE. With extreme attention to purpose, flow, and durability, Penny and Hal and a recruited band of mostly volunteer professional contractors worked to bring the dream into reality. Less than 18 months after their grandson Landon was born with Down syndrome, the Playhouse was completed and ready to open on January 8, 2011 as the 7th GiGi’s Playhouse in the nation.

Once the doors were open, the Wirtjes’ were instrumental in BUILDING A TEAM and BUILDING PROGRAMMING.

Amid the day-to-day details, WHAT THEY EVENTUALLY BUILT WAS A COMMUNITY. And before they knew it, THEY BUILT A LEGACY…  for their grandson and for every other person with Down syndrome across five counties. If you were to ask them, we know they would say that it was NEVER easy, but it was ALWAYS worth it!

Congratulations, Penny and Hal! We are so grateful for all that you have built and for all it will mean to generations of families touched by Down syndrome in our community.