Heather’s Hawaii 5-0 Team

Shari, Heather’s mom, shares their “why” for participating in The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC) 2023 – Virtual Movement.
“We love the GFAC – Virtual Movement! It is an amazing opportunity to raise awareness, feel the love and support of our family and friends AND get moving. There are so many ways to participate, but we like to gather with our family and friends from all over the midwest and walk next to Lake Pepin in Lake City, MN, walk around Volkening Lake in Schaumburg, IL, walk along the Mississippi in Guttenburg, IA, and walk the trails in Cedar Falls, IA! This year we hope to add a hike in Pike’s Peak!
People we meet on our walks often stop us and ask what we are walking for and we get to share how awesome Down syndrome is and how GiGi’s Playhouse inspires, educates and believes!!

I would encourage everyone to join the GFAC – Virtual Movement this year to help us promote awareness, feel the love and support and support the GiGi’s mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all! You can make your virtual movement your own and we can all share our experience together virtually!”
Make your team today on our GiGiFIT event website.

The purposeful programs at GiGi’s Playhouse have been an integral part of Heather’s life for the past 20 years. She learns so many skills in literacy tutoring, math tutoring, GiGiFIT, and GiGi’s Kitchen. You can often find her in the kitchen cooking for me. The CONFIDENCE and INDEPENDENCE she gains in her experiences with GiGi’s Playhouse is life-changing!


Celebrating Emilee’s Best of All: A Virtual Playhouse Story
At just 7 months old, Emilee is already making waves in the GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse community! She’s been participating in LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps) since she was just 2 months old, and in that time, she’s shown us all what Best of All truly looks like. Each week, Miss Emilee becomes more interactive,…

Meet Genevieve: Spreading Joy Through Virtual Volunteering
At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, our volunteers make all the difference! This week, we’re spotlighting Genevieve, who leads Kids Club virtually every week, bringing joy and connection to participants. Finding GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse After graduating college, Genevieve moved to Gainesville, FL, eager to get involved in her community. Having previously volunteered with organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation…

Celebrating a “Best of All” Moment with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse
At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, every small victory is celebrated, and each step forward is considered a “Best of All” moment. These moments are continual, measurable, and celebrated, motivating participants to challenge themselves a little more each day. One inspiring “Best of All” story comes from Daeja, who experienced a memorable achievement during her first GiGiFIT…