Kicking Off Down Syndrome Awareness Month with Oktoberfest Fun and Community Support

This October, our hearts were as full as our mugs at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego’s Oktoberfest! To everyone who came out to support our mission—and to those who contributed to making it such an exciting, meaningful day—thank you! Together, we turned this lively day into a true celebration of community, joy, and the power of inclusion.

Not only was Oktoberfest a fantastic event in itself, but it also marked a meaningful start to Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which we celebrate throughout October. What better way to kick off a month dedicated to raising awareness, support, and understanding than with a gathering that brought our community together for such a great cause? Most importantly, all of the funds raised during Oktoberfest go directly toward providing FREE programs and resources for the San Diego Down syndrome community. The generosity of our attendees and sponsors allow us to offer these vital services that create opportunities, encourage growth, and change lives for the better.

Event Highlights: A Day Filled with Laughter and Connection

From games to great food, Oktoberfest at GiGi’s Playhouse was all about creating memories and supporting our community. Here’s what made the day unforgettable:

• Fun & Games: We had an assortment of Oktoberfest-themed games for everyone to enjoy! The pretzel toss was a crowd favorite, as guests showed off their best tosses for a chance at fun prizes. Our mini golf putting green brought out everyone’s inner golfer, creating plenty of laughs and cheers.
• Photo Booth Fun: The photo booth was buzzing all night as guests snapped memorable (and sometimes goofy) photos with friends and family. We loved seeing the smiles captured as guests commemorated their support for GiGi’s.
• Great Food & Beer: AleSmith Brewing provided the best Oktoberfest brews and the German style eats food to keep everyone fueled and in high spirits. A big thank you to their team for being such a fantastic part of our day!

Special Thanks to Our Silent Auction Sponsors

Our silent auction was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible generosity of our donors. We’re deeply grateful to Sycuan Resort and Casino and San Diego County Credit Union for supporting our mission, as well as to our amazing local sports teams, including the San Diego Wave, the San Diego Gulls, and the San Diego Padres, who contributed exclusive autographed memorabilia and exciting fan experiences. We also want to thank La Jolla Playhouse, Goat Hill Park, Triton Catamaran Charters, and Six Flags Magic Mountain for providing thrilling adventures and local entertainment that kept our auction lively and diverse.

Additionally, unique experiences and relaxation packages from Belly Up Solana Beach, City Cruises, San Diego Crawling, The San Diego Natural History Museum, and the USS Midway Museum added exciting options for our attendees. Lastly, our heartfelt gratitude continues on to thank Sand Cloud, Go Goddess Organizing, Ringers Roller Rink, Moxie Skincare, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Knockaround Sunglasses, Blenders Sunglasses, Soapy Joe’s, and Dr. Lee of AccuSuccess for their generous donations, which brought a mix of wellness, style, and fun to our silent auction. We’re incredibly thankful to all these supporters for making our Oktoberfest auction possible!

Missed the Event? You Can Still Make a Difference!

If you weren’t able to make it to Oktoberfest, you can still join us in supporting GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego! By making a one-time donation or by becoming a 321 Champion with monthly contributions, you directly support our mission to provide free programs and resources for individuals with Down syndrome in San Diego. Your donations create opportunities for growth, education, and achievement, making a real impact in our community.

Stay Connected for Future Events

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Thank you once again to everyone who made Oktoberfest such a success. Your support is what allows us to keep moving forward, one joyful celebration at a time. Starting Down Syndrome Awareness Month this way is just the beginning, and we look forward to making October a month of learning, laughter, and advocacy.