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...
Being Part of This Family
As the holiday season starts, I reflect on my one-year anniversary at GiGi’s Playhouse. I am grateful for the connections made and the valuable experiences I have gained from each of you. And I have learned so much! Some of you may know that my first encounter with GiGi’s was...
GiGi’s, Friends, Connect, and Family
Each month, we host a family group on the first Saturday at 10:00 am. All families are welcome, but we typically welcome families with children under the age of 6. The program is facilitated by two experienced program leaders who encourage discussions, sharing of experiences, and networking while high school...
Introducing – Westchester’s Generation G Youth Board
We love our volunteers! Earlier this year, a sibling of one of our participants approached us and asked if she could start a Youth Board at our Playhouse. Mira was very passionate and quickly recruited her friends to join her. We reached out to other local High Schools and now...