Gala to benefit GiGi's Playhouse, kids with Down syndrome
Editor's note: The story was updated to reflect the correct spelling of GiGi's name.
Some 15 years after Nancy Gianni of South Barrington opened GiGi's Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, her dream to empower families with children with Down syndrome continues.
Just last week, Gianni and her daughter, GiGi, traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, for the opening of the 36th playhouse. As with all of the others, Gianni — and her daughter — spoke to the crowd, which in this case was estimated to be 500 people.
She added that another 13 playhouses are in development stages, with 200 more inquiries from locations across the country and internationally.
“It's really an exciting time,” Gianni says, “with so many good things happening.”
Look for that excitement to be contagious at the organization's 12th annual gala, which takes place March 10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
Gianni and her staff moved the event from Drury Lane in Oak Brook to accommodate growing numbers. This year, they expect more than 850 people, including corporate supporters, families, individuals and dignitaries from other cities looking to build their own playhouse.
“We like to say, 'It's not your grandma's gala.' We're rockin' with an edge,” Gianni says. “It's a chance to get all dressed up and party for a cause.”
CBS-2 anchor Rob Johnson returns as emcee, while Eric Ferguson, host of Eric in the Morning on 101.9 The Mix, also will attend. Several retired Bears will be on hand to mingle with the crowd, including Desmond Clark, Wendell Davis, Jerry Fontenot, Bruce Herron and Kurt Becker, and popular local band 7th heaven will perform.
Proceeds from the raffles, silent and live auctions will provide operating budgets for the four Chicagoland playhouses, including the original one in Hoffman Estates, as well as those in Aurora, Chicago and one being developed in Deerfield, and the 4,000 individuals they serve.
Of those locations, the playhouse in Hoffman Estates provides the most services through its literacy and math tutoring, speech and language program, as well as its multiple social opportunities and support groups for families.
What sets it apart is its extended achievement offerings, including the Hugs + Mugs Café — staffed entirely by adults with Down syndrome — and GiGi University, whose curriculum covers courses in everything from building self-esteem, fitness and nutrition, as well as covering communication and career skills.
“Everything we do is free,” Gianni says. “And people see our kids achieving so much and going on to do such great things.”
Her daughter, GiGi, is an example. She attends Barrington High School, where she is involved with the dance team and volunteers as a reporter with BHS-TV, along with participating in multiple other clubs.
Older sister Bella Gianni also attends Barrington High, where she started #generationG in order to advance acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome and promote kindness.
Her actions, in part, motivated a central theme of this year's gala, which is to celebrate the roles of siblings and the empowering roles they play.
“We wanted to give siblings a voice,” Gianni says. “Down syndrome affects the entire family, and we know that siblings want to make a difference for their loved ones who have Down syndrome.”
Since its founding in 2003, GiGi's Playhouse has become the only international network of Down syndrome achievement centers, serving 30,000 people directly at its 36 locations across this country and in Mexico.
If you go
What: I Have a Voice, 12th annual gala to benefit GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 10
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
Cost: $250 per ticket
Details: <a href="https://gigisplayhouse.org/chicagoland-gala">gigisplayhouse.org/chicagoland-gala</a>