Celebrating Team Jade: Leading the Charge for Acceptance in the Virtual GiGiFIT Challenge
We are so thrilled to highlight our first team to reach $1,000 in our GiGiFIT Acceptance Virtual Movement Challenge this year! This incredible team is using our peer-to-peer fundraising event to raise funds to support the virtual free programming offered to families worldwide. They believe in acceptance for ALL and are changing the way the world views Down syndrome through participating in this event.
“Team Jade joined the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge because we are so incredibly grateful for the GiGi’s programs available through GiGi’s Playhouse ! In the past year, Jade has participated in Teen Tastic, GiGi’s Kitchen, GiGiFIT Teen, and Math Tutoring – all virtually.
We live in a very small rural town, with very little support for people with special needs, let alone specific to Down syndrome. The ability to benefit from GiGi’s programs virtually is a literal Godsend! In just one example, Jade’s math tutor has helped to completely alter the perceptions of Jade’s abilities to her school. Jade is the only student with Down syndrome in her high school, so the tutor has even connected with her teacher to show her what she is truly capable of achieving.”
“Regarding acceptance, roughly 20% of the US population lives in rural environments, and many more live in deep urban areas that are drastically under-served. These communities subsequently suffer from lack of acceptance and understanding. We view the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge as a way to showcase the possibilities of individuals with Down syndrome so that the world can start accepting them as welcome members of all communities – schools, towns, companies, and neighborhoods. The work GiGi’s Playhouse is doing is incredibly essential to help build a bridge for all individuals with Down syndrome to thrive in our society. Thank you GiGi’s Playhouse!”
We thank Team Jade for their commitment and inspiring efforts. Your participation in the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge and dedication to promoting acceptance are truly admirable. Your efforts are making a significant impact in creating a more inclusive world. Thank you Team Jade! Click here to donate to another team or register another team member! For other details about the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Virtual Movement, click here. Know someone who wants to sponsor, it’s not too late!
Our Down to Dance Leader; Mariyah
We are so grateful for our partnership with the University of Florida and their Down to Dance program! Our participants absolutely love this program and learn so much from the incredible leaders like Mariyah. Mariyah currently volunteers and serves as the President of Down to Dance, an organization at the University of Florida that has…
Introducing Enrollment Program Leaders
We are so thrilled that the Fall Session is starting off soon for all our enrollment programs! We are thrilled to be offering GiGiFIT Kids, GiGi’s Kitchen Kids, and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult this Fall! These 15-week enrollment programs are a big commitment for our families as well as our volunteers and we know that many…
Our Program and Volunteer Coordinators
We are pleased to announce that we have two experienced Program and Volunteer Coordinators who will be serving our Virtual Playhouse community this fall. Claire We welcome Claire back to our team after family leave! Clare grew up in Minnesota where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. Claire’s…