Lauren Potter from 'Glee' to appear at GiGi's Playhouse run/walk

Register now for GiGi's Playhouse's ninth annual 5K Fun Run and Walk on June 10, joining more than 2,500 people — including actress Lauren Potter from “Glee” — for an inspirational day raising funds for educational programs, awareness and acceptance.

Sign up at www.gigisplayhouse.org for the event, which will be at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington.

Lauren Potter portrays Becky Jackson on the award-winning TV show “Glee.” She is an active and outspoken advocate for Down syndrome awareness.

In addition to a 5K Fun Run, a 1-Mile Inspirational Walk and the Dash for Down syndrome, there will be food, drinks and entertainment, including music, bounce houses, a performance by GiGi's cheerleading squad, The Cheer Gems, and more.

Pinstripes is offering a brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will donate part of the proceeds back to GiGi's Playhouse Inc. All proceeds will go toward sustaining and expanding GiGi's Playhouse services, programs and locations throughout the world.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run begins at 8:45 a.m., with the 1-Mile walk at 9:30 a.m. and the Dash for Down syndrome immediately following.

GiGi's Playhouse Down syndrome educational and awareness centers provide resources, specialized teaching, and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

All programs are free to families and are therapeutic in nature. Each of them works on specific skill development in speech and language, social development, and fine and gross motor skills. GiGi's literacy program alone teaches thousands of kids with Down syndrome to read.

GiGi's also works closely with family members and the community. Siblings, parents, grandparents and friends find support, networking and confidence in GiGi's free programming.

In just seven years, 10 Playhouses have been built, with the newest one in Mexico. GiGi's is committed to the important mission of spreading positive and accurate information about Down syndrome through education.