Gigi's Playhouse to host 'Milkshakes with the Mayor'

GiGi's Playhouse Down syndrome Achievement Centers is very excited to announce the first "Milkshakes with the Mayor" at GiGi's Playhouse Hugs + Mugs, 2350 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. From 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, the GiGi's interns will wrap any holiday gifts you have while you enjoy a dessert.

Hugs + Mugs is a unique retail storefront operated by interns with Down syndrome. The store offers personalized mugs, specialty coffee and tea, cookies, smoothies and provides empowering hands-on job training and career skills for GiGi's interns.

"Our interns are a daily inspiration both to each other and to our customers," says Ed Antczak, Hugs + Mugs operations manager.

"The village of Hoffman Estates is honored that Gigi's Playhouse has chosen the village as its headquarters," says Mayor Bill McLeod, who will be helping serve gelato at the event. "Gigi's has grown tremendously over the years and continues to be a source of hope for families affected by Down syndrome. I'm happy to be a part of their efforts to spread the word about the important work they are doing in the community."

For information about free GiGi's Playhouse programs, volunteerism, special events, family resources, and how you can support children and adults with Down syndrome, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org.

GiGi's Playhouse is a series of unique Achievement Centers serving children and adults with Down syndrome. Each Playhouse makes a lifetime commitment to participants and their families, and each location provides unique educational, therapeutic and career training programs in a format that individuals with Down syndrome learn best. All educational, therapeutic and career training programs are offered to families for free. GiGi's Playhouse currently has 28 Playhouses in the U.S. and Mexico. Last year, over 25,000 participants benefited from Playhouse programs. Currently there are more than 140 inquiries for new Playhouses worldwide. GiGi's Playhouse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded by the generosity of donations from generous individuals, family foundations, and businesses.

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