Spreading Happiness One M&M Cookie at a Time!

April’s Best of All

A women holding an M&M cookie smiling with her arm around an older gentleman with Down syndrome.

This month, we’re thrilled to recognize John Stapleton as our April Best of All! Many of you know John for his friendly smile and playful sense of humor—but did you know he’s also an amazing baker? 

John’s love for baking started when he was young, learning from his mom and grandma, both good bakers. His favorite baking memory? Making treats alongside his mom. All these years later, that love for baking continues—John still bakes every week with his sister, Una. His specialty? His famous M&M cookies! If you’re lucky, you’ve gotten a bag with your name on it—hand-delivered by John himself at Drama Troupe, GiGi Prep, Achievers, or GiGi U. 

Every Wednesday at GiGi U, John brings a big bag of M&M cookies to share with participants, program leads, and staff after lunch. “Baking makes me happy,” John says. And now, he bakes to spread that happiness with others. 

John’s M&M Cookie Process

Along with sharing his baking talents, John’s also picked up new skills in the kitchen—working as a team at Achievers and during GiGi Prep & U’s weekly shopping trips, he’s been sharpening his grocery shopping skills. 

John wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt holding his new born great niece.

When we asked if there was anything else he wanted people to know, John smiled and said, “I’m a great uncle!” 

John, thanks for bringing your joy, your kindness, and your cookies to the Playhouse. You make every week a little sweeter—and we’re so glad to celebrate you as April’s Best of All

He would also love to give a shoutout to our Executive Director Katherine Rebstock!


To help us provide free programs that are educational and therapeutic in nature to individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families and the community donate HERE

To volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Twin Cities: HERE

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