Making It Happen: Spring Tutoring Session Delivers Despite the Odds
This spring, our one-to-one literacy and math tutoring programs looked a little different—but thanks to our incredible tutors, participants, and families, they were just as impactful as ever. With our new location still under construction, our tutoring team rose to the challenge of finding creative ways to meet with students....
Team Work makes the Dream Work!
Looking Back to Move Forward: Our Summer of Change at the Playhouse Last summer was a whirlwind at the Playhouse—a blur of boxes, laughter, teamwork, and a whole lot of sweat equity. In just two short months, we undertook the monumental task of relocating our entire Playhouse after nearly a...
GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 2025 – Amazing!
Our annual GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge run, walk, and Kids Dash was incredible! Even the rain didn't stop us! GiGIFIT Acceptance Challenge Highlights: 7 Mighty Teams The top three teams showed incredible resilience, battling for the top spot until the last moment. Their determination was truly inspiring. Team OVI Edward's incredible...
Volunteer Highlight
April is volunteer appreciation month! Our organization is 99% volunteer-led and relies 100% on our volunteers' dedication, passion, generosity, and enthusiasm to provide free and purposeful programming for our entire community. To kick off Volunteer Appreciation Week, we spotlight one of our remarkable volunteers, Jennifer Sanchez. Since July 2021, Jennifer...
Ronald MacDonald House Testimonial
Since the summer, our adult programs have focused on volunteering within our local community. The Achievers and GiGi Prep students have been regularly visiting the Ronald McDonald House Greater Hudson Valley on Mondays to bake delicious treats for the families staying there. GiGi Prep showcasing their baked goods! We are...
Born To Be On Stage!
Our Inspirational Self-Advocate Speaker for the Gala 2025 was Ethan Merola. When we approached him about speaking at our event, his family needed to double-check to ensure it did not coincide with his high school’s spring Drama Club performance. Fortunately, there was no conflict. Ethan with his family. Ethan delivered...
Eight Years And Counting!
This month, I celebrate eight years of employment at GiGi's Playhouse Westchester, marking nine years since I first stepped through those doors and was utterly mesmerized. My daughter often reminds me that I found my happy place because of her. Nine years ago, I volunteered alongside her and her Girl...
NYSE on Halloween
During the week of Halloween, we received an invitation from Jennifer at the Long Island Playhouse to join them at the NYSE closing bell on October 31st! This was an incredible opportunity, and although it was short notice, we sent invites to all our families. Unfortunately, most already had plans...
![GiGis - Miracle League Spooktacular - 10-26-24[11]](https://gigisplayhouse.org/westchester/files/bb-plugin/cache/GiGis-Miracle-League-Spooktacular-10-26-2411-300x201-square-3dbdfc414d6a2a7062c688e142807121-.jpg "GiGis - Miracle League Spooktacular - 10-26-24[11]")
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Fun
It is that time of year when we begin to switch out the tees for sweaters, buy pumpkin and apple-flavored delights, and plan how to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This year, our team was concerned that we couldn't meaningfully celebrate October because GiGi's Westchester had no physical location. However,...
Art Explosion Benefits The Entire Community!
In 2022, a new business opened near our Playhouse. The owner immediately contacted us, eager to explore a partnership. We were delighted to accept, and our collaboration with Honest Art has been invaluable. We were delighted to attend art classes at their art studio; from the onset, it was a...
Super Siblings
On Wednesday, April 10th, we will celebrate National Sibling Day. Often, brothers and sisters of those with Down syndrome are forgotten and not recognized for being SUPER! However, siblings of individuals with Down syndrome tend to be compassionate, understanding, accepting, and wonderful people who go above and beyond for their...
A Volunteer’s Determination, Love, and Commitment
Carol Altomare, our incredible GiGi's Kitchen Program Leader, always goes above and beyond. During the dark days of the Pandemic, Carol and her daughter, Christine, embarked on realizing our dream - creating a GiGi's Kitchen Cookbook. The pair spent the next three years organizing, planning, and photographing the group's favorite...