Community Corner

GiGi's Playhouse Run, Walk and Dash for Down Syndrome

GiGi's Playhouse officially opened online registration for its annual 5K fundraising and awareness event. A celebration of children and adults living inspirational lives.

The 2013 event will be held Sunday, June 9 at the Arboretum of South Barrington. Registration links can be found on the GiGi's Playhouse web site at www.gigisplayhouse.org/5K.

As one of two marquee fundraising events per year, GiGi's Playhouse attracts over 3,000 participants and guests. Guests will also enjoy a DJ, inflatable bounce houses and face painting activities for children, food & refreshments, and more. Registrants can choose to participate in a 5K run or 1 mile walk. Thereafter, kids can choose to participate in a short "Dash for Down syndrome." Guests can cheer on family and friends alongside GiGi as they all cross the finish line.

"Our 5K event is very special for many reasons," says GiGi's Playhouse founder and CEO Nancy Gianni. "It's an amazing gathering for thousands of families who are champion’s people with Down syndrome. It's a celebration of our kids making daily achievements in our programs. The 5K reaffirms our core values, and our efforts to change perception of people with Down syndrome. Most importantly, the 5K inspires our kids and adults to believe in themselves, and to continue sharing their joy, love and courage with the world."

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GiGi's Playhouse opened in Hoffman Estates in 2003, named after Nancy's daughter GiGi who was born with Down syndrome. What began as a single location has grown into 15 Playhouses across Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, and the imminent opening of GiGi's Playhouse first international location in Queretaro, Mexico. GiGi's has also received over 100 requests for new locations. In the fall, GiGi's Playhouse is moving to a new national headquarters and national training center, also in Hoffman Estates. The national training center will help the programming team to incubate, test and launch even more programs to support children and adults with Down syndrome. All therapeutic programs and resources are free of charge.

Adds Gianni: "The investment in the national training center is a big step for GiGi's Playhouse. We hope to secure funding that allows us to open a progressive learning center for real world training. From fitness and nutrition to public speaking and business administration: we want our individuals to set goals, maintain all facets of health, and maximize their life opportunities. We are committed to creating the most innovative programs possible to support the total wellness of our kids and adults. GiGi's Playhouse is a lifelong partner to our amazing families!"

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For more information about the 5K, please visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/5K. Individuals and local businesses interested in supporting GiGi's Playhouse families through event sponsorship can contact Development Director Marc Portugal via e-mail at mportugal@gigisplayhouse.org, or via phone at 312.371.2660.


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