2019 Award Winners

We had such an amazing time at our Party With A Purpose! It was a night of celebration and joy. We were accompanied by peers, parents and supporters of GiGi’s. Not only did we get the chance to fundraise to continue offering free programs and keep the Playhouse running, but we also got a chance to thank everyone who has been there with us in this crazy and rewarding journey. We also had the chance to recognize our amazing volunteers and participants. They are the reason we exists and the reason we continue to work so hard to make sure GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego is here to stay and grow and expand.

We also took the opportunity  to honor three very special individuals!

Jeri Gurley is our Volunteer of the Year award recipient. Jeri is special education teacher who has given so much of her time to GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego. She is our Literacy Coordinator and has been responsible for launching this successful and much needed program. She always goes above and beyond and has given so much of her time! It’s not unusual to see her working around GiGi’s, even when she doesn’t have sessions scheduled, always ready to lend a hand! If this wasn’t enough, she is also leading Playhouse Pals, a programs for those ages five to eight. Her son Clark is also an active participant and helper in our Playhouse. We are very lucky to have Jeri as part of our team!

April Villafaña is our ‘I Have A Voice’ award recipient. This award is designated to honor someone in the community who has become a champion for individuals with Down syndrome. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than April. She is a well-known advocate who’s focus is to ensure individuals are getting all the services they need.  She has certainly given a voice to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. She was also part of our start up team and worked hard to make GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego a reality. We are very excited to share that she just recently joined our Board of Directors!

Lourdes Gallegos is our ‘Generation G’ award recipient. Generation G is a conscious decision to be better every day, with the motto, “Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind.”. Mom to Leonardo and Maximiliano, she’s a friendly face that’s always at our programs. She is welcoming and is always helping spread awareness for GiGi’s Playhouse and Down syndrome. She’s also our graphic designer and is the master mind behind most of our awesome designs! She’s the first to jump in to help others – including working across the network with other Playhouses. She’s accepting, generous and kind!

Congratulations! It is people like you who inspire us every day to continue the hard work. From all of our GiGi’s families, the volunteers and the Board: Thank You!!!