GiGi’s Playhouse gala March 1
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers is pleased to announce the 2014 “i have a Voice” Chicagoland Regional Gala, March 1, at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
The “i have a Voice” Gala celebrates the many achievements of children and adults with Down syndrome, and serves as GiGi’s Playhouse most important and elegant fundraising event of the year.
The 2014 Chicagoland Regional Gala will feature guest host and MC Rob Johnson of CBS 2 News. Activities will include a sit-down dinner, advocate performances and speeches, a silent auction, live auction, wine auction, dancing to the sounds of the “7th Heaven” and more.
Most importantly, the gala provides individuals with Down syndrome the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and show the world how much they can accomplish. Unique from other nonprofit organizations, simultaneous gala events will take place in multiple locations nationwide to celebrate the many achievements of individuals and families across the country and in Mexico.
Across all of the gala events, GiGi’s Playhouse expects to host 6,000 people in 16 markets.
“Our program participants continue to change the way people view Down syndrome through their amazing self-confidence and of course, their great dance moves,” said founder Nancy Gianni. “The gala is a wonderful and important opportunity to support our individuals and families, and also a great opportunity to be an ambassador for our mission of acceptance, and help take that mission out into the world. Helping children and young adults at GiGi’s Playhouse extends beyond the Down syndrome diagnosis. If your company believes in a kinder and more accepting world, and believes in helping others, GiGi’s Playhouse is a place for you.”
New to the 2014 gala will be “VIP Tables” with luxury food and beverage experiences including surf and turf, tableside liquor and specialty martinis. Also new to the 2014 gala will be original artwork for the silent auction created by adults with Down syndrome, many of whom are active participants in the new GiGi University and Hugs & Mugs programs at GiGi’s Playhouse National Achievement Center.
Hugs & Mugs is a career training program taking the form of a live business and retail store front that adults will supervise; including mug design and printing, customer service, sales, community outreach, and more. Online orders are already being filled and the store front is scheduled to open Jan. 31. Mugs can be customized with personal artwork, photos, and corporate logos. Mugs will make heartfelt gifts for family members, customers and more for all occasions.
To purchase tickets, tables, VIP tables, or sponsorships for the 2014 “i have a Voice” Gala, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/gala or contact events manager Sarah Rickaby at (847) 278-8509 or email srickaby@gigisplayhouse.org.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Gala, as well as hybrid opportunities for exposure at GiGi’s Gala and Chicagoland 5K in June; hosting over 3,000 people.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit supported by hundreds of volunteers and funded solely by donations. GiGi’s Playhouse offers 30 different therapeutic and educational programs at no charge to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. For the last 10 years, GiGi’s Playhouse has extended individuals with Down syndrome and families the chance to grow their confidence, skills and belief while advocating a global message of acceptance. GiGi’s Playhouse will continue to strive for excellence and make a difference — one child, one diagnosis and one community at time.
Visit GiGi’s Playhouse National Achievement Center, located at 2350 W. Higgins Road, in Hoffman Estates. For more information on how to support GiGi’s Playhouse, visit GiGisPlayhouse.org or call (847) 885-6149.
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