A Year That Changed Us Forever: Carson’s Heart Journey
By Amy Spillar One year ago, we experienced the hardest day of our lives. I can still picture it clearly, handing our three-month-old son over to the surgical team and watching them wheel him down a long hospital hallway. Knowing he was headed into open-heart surgery and not knowing what...
Best of All: Friendship and Belonging!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. Every day, we witness incredible growth, meaningful connections, and the impact of a supportive community. This month, we’re proud to share Amanda’s “Best of...
The Truth About a Down Syndrome Diagnosis: What Every Family Deserves to Know
When a family receives a prenatal diagnosis—or even the possibility of a Down syndrome diagnosis—it can feel like the world suddenly narrows into fear, uncertainty, and statistics. But there is a much bigger truth that many families are never shown. And every parent deserves access to it. What Is Down...
Five Years of Changing Lives, Building Community, and Believing in Possibility
Five years ago, on May 16, 2021, GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento opened its doors for the very first time. At the time, we celebrated the opening of a building. What we didn’t fully realize was that we were opening the door to something much bigger: a community where individuals with Down...
Best of All + Volunteer Spotlight
At GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do, and this month we are excited to spotlight Bonnie, one of our amazing Kitchen and Art program volunteers. We are also celebrating Joaquin’s incredible Best of All moments from our GiGi’s 5K Dash for Down syndrome. Read...
2026 GiGi’s 5K Dash for Down Syndrome Raises Over $72,000 in Record-Breaking Community Celebration
The 2026 GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento 5K Dash for Down Syndrome 2026 was a record-breaking success, bringing together participants, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for a powerful day of community impact. The morning began with special coverage from Good Day Sacramento, who joined us on-site to highlight the mission, energy, and...
From Hometown Heart to GiGi’s Family: How One Volunteer Helped Confidence Bloom
At GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento, something special happens when the right people find the right place. For Allyson, what started as a simple way to give back quickly became so much more—a connection, a purpose, and a front-row seat to incredible growth. Volunteer Spotlight: Allyson first found GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento after...
Still on Cloud Nine After an Extra Sweet World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
Our hearts remain full as we reflect on our World Down Syndrome Day celebration at GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento. It was one of those days you’d wish you could bottle up and hold onto a little longer. From the moment people entered the doors, the Playhouse felt alive in the best...
Celebrating Confidence and Community: Sarah’s “Best of All” Moment & Volunteer Spotlight on Shane
Best of All: Sarah had a wonderful “Best of All” moment at our Moose Lodge Sock Hop fundraiser last month. At the beginning of the evening, Sarah shared that she was feeling a little shy and nervous about helping serve food. Despite those nerves, she stepped right in and helped...
A Magical Night of Disney Trivia with Our Fantastic Friends!
Disney fans, teamwork, and a little friendly competition made for a magical Fantastic Friends Trivia Night at GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento. It was a magical evening at GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento as our Fantastic Friends participants gathered for a fun-filled Disney Trivia Night. The room was full of laughter, teamwork, and plenty...
Finding Joy Through Service: A Volunteer Spotlight on Shannon + Braden’s Best of All
After hearing about GiGi's Playhouse Sacramento from a friend and volunteering at the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge two years ago, Shannon was immediately inspired by the warmth, friendliness, and positive energy of both the volunteers and individuals with Down syndrome. What began as a single day of service quickly turned into...
Down Syndrome Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 is a global opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate inclusion, and share accurate information about Down syndrome. The date 3/21 represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is what makes Down syndrome unique. In honor of this important day, we are sharing facts...