The 2022 GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge was a HUGE success!

Delany Hug running the Dash for Down syndrome

The national campaign wrapped up Sunday, with a 5K Fun Run, One Mile Inspirational Walk, and a kids Dash for Down Syndrome, in Hoffman Estates.

More than 40 in-person GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge events were held across the country, raising a grand total of more than $1.5 million. Equally important is the number of people who participated in the challenge. We are proud to share that more than 10,000 people have MOVED FOR ACCEPTANCE since World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. Thousands also participated virtually using the hashtag #moveforacceptance.

With the help of the community, GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates raised $275,000, with more funds on the way! The day started with the Hoffman Estates Playhouse and members of the Inc. team arriving as early as 5 a.m. to begin set up on the grounds of the NOW Arena. With the help 60 volunteers, we MOVED to inspire global acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome and raised crucial funds to support FREE educational, therapeutic and career training programs for GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers.The event kicked off with a warmup from instructors with Anytime Fitness in Hoffman Estates. Chief Belief Officer Nancy Gianni gave a pep talk before the start of the race and The GiGi Gianni, herself, sang the National Anthem to kick off the 5K.

We made so much noise, WGN-TV and NBC 5 Chicago came to capture the event and share it with their viewers! Not only that, but the NFL Players Association, Former Players – Chicago Chapter played football with kids, and even signed footballs for them to ta

GiGi Gianni leads 1K Walk for Acceptance

ke home. Special thanks to Wendell Davis, Brent Novoselsky, Bruce Herron, Tim Tyrell, Bill Schick, Jason Willis, Justin Staples and Tom Serpento. You guys continue to support and amaze us!
Thank you to all the staff, sponsors, and local companies that showed up to make this event one to remember. And being a 99-percent volunteer-run organization, we once again could not have pulled off this national campaign without all of you!

The video from our national event really tells the story best as to how important this event was for people in the Down syndrome community. If you would still like to financially support us, please visit our website.