News
GiGi's Playhouse Special Celebration
March 21st was a very special day of Celebration for GiGi’s Playhouse with more than 60 visitors celebrating World Down Syndrome Day.
They watched as the children played in Clementine’s Corner on the new Therapeutic Playground equipment; others in the Little Tikes Cottage and some more were shooting hoops in the Get Fit Gym. Yoga mats for weekly adult exercise classes are also a part of the package which was underwritten by the Leprechauns so the Playhouse would have more opportunity to provide purposeful programs for the adults, the children, and their families. Everyone enjoyed pizza from Pizza BOGO, as well as gelato from The Sweet Spot, where Clementine’s mother watched the birth of the Playhouse over the past 2 years.
There were smiles on every face at the event; a two piece band, The Baker’s Basement, added to the festive time that flew by. “No one ever wants to go home, because it is such an opportunity to just have fun,” commented one of the volunteers.
The board members and volunteers have worked very hard over the past 3 years. The first 18 months were spent gathering interest and support, raising substantial funds, and finally, a little over a year ago, they officially opened the Lakewood Playhouse, the first in Ohio. The walls are beautifully painted in bright colors, the teens enjoy their own space where they can hang out in Club GiGi’s, there is a Get Fit Gym where they enjoy the new basketball hoops, and the Learning Labs offer literacy and math tutoring. Speech therapy is on its way and is expected to launch in the fall!
Over 120 families from many parts of northeast Ohio have already benefitted from the therapeutic and educational programs, connecting with each other and providing their children an opportunity to achieve their Best of All! Contact Lizz Maxwell at 216-529-3333 if you have an interest in visiting or supporting with a gift to GiGi’s Playhouse; they are designated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
About Gigi's Playhouse Cleveland
GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland is a Down syndrome achievement center in Lakewood, Ohio. The mission of the Playhouse is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY nationwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers; changing lives through free, results-driven programs for individuals of all ages, families and communities. GiGi’s Playhouse is an inspirational and dedicated place for families to celebrate their child and benefit from free programs that unleash joy, confidence and continuous improvement. Playhouses empower children and adults to achieve their “Best of All” and to pursue their dreams. Founded in 2003 by GiGi’s Mom, Nancy Gianni, in Hoffman Estates, IL, the organization now includes 31 community Playhouses including the first global Playhouse location in Mexico. Last year, over 26,000 individuals with Down syndrome benefited from free programs and positive empowerment.
For more information, go to: www.gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland or contact Lizz Maxwell at 216-529-3333 or emaxwell@gigisplayhouse.org.
GiGi's Playhouse is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization funded solely by donations.
15316 Detroit Ave. | Lakewood, OH 44107 | 216-529-3333 | gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland