Inside Frost Bank’s Remarkable Commitment to Inclusion

At GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, we are honored to celebrate and spotlight one of our newest—and already incredibly impactful—partners: Frost Bank. Since the beginning of our partnership in January 2025, Frost Bank has not only extended generous support but has also embraced our mission with enthusiasm, sincerity, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

From day one, Senior Vice President Alan Bagwell has been a driving force in making this partnership meaningful. Alan is more than a professional ally—he is a true champion for inclusion and a passionate advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. His leadership, combined with the heart-centered approach of the entire Frost Bank team, has made a noticeable difference in the reach and visibility of GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land.

One of the most significant moments of our partnership took place on May 15th, 2025, at the grand opening of Frost Bank’s Aliana location. Alan graciously invited our Executive Director, Karen Dunlap, to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and share our mission with a crowd of local leaders, businesses, and community members. Frost Bank also extended the invitation to several of our board members, staff, and participants, giving them the opportunity to represent GiGi’s and connect with the wider community. It was a meaningful day that helped introduce GiGi’s Playhouse to a broader network of supporters and allowed attendees to experience the heart of our mission firsthand.

As part of that incredible day, Frost Bank presented a generous $2,500 donation to support GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land. This gift directly benefits our educational, therapeutic, and career-readiness programs, all of which are offered at no cost to families. It was a powerful reflection of their commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

But their support didn’t stop there. Alan has gone above and beyond by consistently including GiGi’s in a variety of community events hosted by Frost Bank. These events include the beloved Chuckwagon Breakfast, the Rudy Tomjanovich luncheon, and multiple Frost Networking Coffees, all of which have provided invaluable opportunities for us to connect with new supporters and potential partners. Alan’s personal outreach during these events has helped grow our visibility among local businesses, opening new doors and expanding the reach of our mission throughout the Sugar Land area and beyond.

Frost Bank’s commitment to inclusion was also on full display at our annual Be-YOU-tiful Fashion Show, where both Alan and Duaa Kheir, Assistant Vice President at Frost Bank, joined us in cheering on our amazing models. Their presence was a beautiful demonstration of community support and an affirmation of Frost Bank’s dedication to uplifting people of all abilities.

What makes this partnership even more exciting is Frost Bank’s interest in long-term, sustainable impact. Alan has already initiated discussions about hosting vocational training opportunities for GiGi’s adult participants at the Aliana branch—an initiative that aligns perfectly with our goal of preparing individuals with Down syndrome for meaningful employment. This hands-on collaboration shows what’s possible when businesses invest not only money but also time, opportunity, and trust in the people we serve.

Partnerships like this are what fuel the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. They remind us that inclusion is not just a buzzword—it’s a practice, a mindset, and a commitment we share with the greater community. Through thoughtful collaboration and purposeful engagement, businesses like Frost Bank help create a world where every individual is seen, celebrated, and given the opportunity to thrive.

We are deeply grateful to Alan Bagwell, Duaa Kheir, and the entire Frost Bank team for their generosity, commitment, and belief in our mission. We are proud to call them part of the GiGi’s family, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation for years to come.

If your business is looking for a way to give back, make an impact, and demonstrate a real commitment to inclusion, we invite you to join us—just like Frost Bank has. Because when we work together, inclusion becomes inevitable.

If you’re in the area, we encourage you to stop by the Aliana branch of Frost Bank at 18530 W. Airport Blvd, Richmond, TX. Supporting businesses that invest in their community and demonstrate a real commitment to inclusion makes a difference—and we are proud to stand alongside partners like Frost.

To learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land and how you can partner with us, visit: https://gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland