The Power of Small, Local Fundraising

You may have wondered why we always have flyers for small, local fundraising opportunities on the table in our Playhouse. When people think of fundraising, it’s easy to immediately picture the Gala or our 5K Donut Run, corporate sponsorships, etc. While these things are vital to the life of our Playhouse, it is worthwhile to remember that the smaller, local fundraisers – including the Eat & Earn opportunities we offer each month – can also help us financially and have an positive impact in the community.

Small fundraisers remind us that making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures. A few dollars collected from a meal at a local restaurant may not seem like much, but when it is combined with others’ efforts, it can quickly grow into something. $100 from a local Eat & Earn fundraiser might buy the ingredients for the next GiGi’s Kitchen program, crafts and snacks for the next Teen Tastic, and other small, yet important items. Every dollar helps our Playhouse!

Building Connection, Awareness and A Sense of Community

Local fundraisers are about more than just collecting donations – they’re about connections. People start learning. They ask questions, hear stories and see the joy that individuals with Down syndrome bring to our world. That kind of understanding is priceless. Local businesses can begin to see the faces, names and real lives behind our cause, turning community members into lifelong advocates.

We are fortunate that Tinley Park and Orland Park are full of businesses that offer opportunities to earn money for our Playhouse. Past businesses we have benefited from include Portillo’s, Chipotle, Panda Express, Rainbow Cone – and not just restaurants – even Ted’s Greenhouse in Tinley Park.

At their heart, small fundraising efforts show what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration. They remind us that real change often begins right here – when we come together, no effort is too small and no act of kindness goes unnoticed.

Here is this October’s local fundraising opportunity. Go get some delicious pizza,
and tell them you’re with GiGi’s Tinley Park!