{"id":22770,"date":"2021-12-31T14:38:42","date_gmt":"2021-12-31T19:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/?p=22770"},"modified":"2025-01-08T14:31:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T19:31:03","slug":"2021-in-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/2021-in-review\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 In Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

As 2021\u00a0ends,\u00a0we\u00a0look back at the challenges, successes, and accomplishments of this year!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>2021 was another tough year, still dealing with the fluid nature of the Pandemic. Our planning consisted of many questions that we did not know the answers to. Can we reopen yet? Is it safe to welcome families back? How do we keep everyone safe and healthy? As the vaccination program was rolled out and more and more people were receiving the double doses, we began to welcome people back to the Playhouse. In the Summer, we greeted a few families back for tutoring and during our Fall session, we were excited to offer in-person tutoring to 11 participants; which was amazing! Amid the Summer and Fall sessions, we also offered opportunities to be back at the playhouse for special events and some group programs. It was terrific to see everyone again!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Samantha, Kelly, Jennifer, and Gwyneth at the Gala.<\/p><\/div>\n

This year we were able to hold our annual \u2018I Have a Voice\u2019 Gala in September. We welcomed 125 people to Tarrytown Mansion on a Friday evening where we danced, socialized, drank, and ate. It was a wonderful night to be able to celebrate being with each other again.\u00a0\u00a0Our tremendous self-advocate Samantha gave an inspiring speech, while her friends encouraged and supported her throughout. They all rocked the dance floor! It was our immense pleasure to finally celebrate our fabulous honorees: Catherine & Erik Graybosch; Kelly Moravec, and <\/span>Ken Shirreffs and Steven Amato of ASK Contracting.<\/span><\/p>\n

We were very excited to introduce a few new programs throughout 2021, such as Ballet, Musical Theater, and Gratitude Committee. In addition, we welcomed back some favorite programs \u2013 Fantastic Friends and Destination Discovery. In October, we partnered with Bain & Company to deliver a wonderful Halloween-themed Destination Discovery for all ages. Everyone had so much fun learning the monster mash and making spooky crafts. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Our Holiday Party was a huge success thanks to all the volunteers from Bake Back America.<\/p><\/div>\n

In 2021, we were able to welcome partnerships and collaborations with other organizations to provide free and purposeful\u00a0programs\u00a0and events to our community. Developing these relationships with our community partners has been wonderful and we cannot wait to develop this in 2022:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n