Namesake of GiGi’s Playhouse steps into leadership role ahead of gala in Schaumburg

Posted February 11, 2026 6:24 pm

Eric Peterson

GiGi Gianni of South Barrington, namesake and inspiration for GiGi’s Playhouse, and her boyfriend Lukas Lazauskas have been visiting community leaders throughout the Northwest suburbs to hand-deliver invitations for the GiGi’s Playhouse National Gala on Feb. 28. Courtesy of GiGi's Playhouse

Hoffman Estates-based GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers will make its 23rd anniversary a special one at its annual gala Feb. 28 in Schaumburg.

GiGi Gianni of South Barrington, the 23-year-old namesake of the organization, is stepping up in her leadership role ahead of the “i have a voice” event at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

Alongside boyfriend Lukas Lazauskas, Gianni has been personally delivering invitations to leaders throughout the area.

Among those who have received the hand-delivered invitations are state Sen. Darby Hills of Barrington Hills and South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie, emphasizing the local roots that grew the organization into a global movement.

GiGi Gianni of South Barrington, namesake and inspiration for GiGi’s Playhouse, and Lukas Lazauskas deliver an invitation to Illinois state Sen. Darby Hills of Barrington Hills, right, for the GiGi’s Playhouse National Gala, set for Feb. 28 in Schaumburg. Courtesy of GiGi’s Playhouse

Gianni’s mother, Nancy Gianni, started the organization just after Gianni was born with Down syndrome. Today GiGi’s Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic and career-development programs to families in 95 countries.

Gianni will co-host this year’s gala evening alongside model, actress and advocate Amanda Booth. The night will celebrate voices, acceptance and a belief that people with Down syndrome can be leaders.

“GiGi has grown up surrounded by the belief that her voice matters,” Nancy Gianni said in a statement. “Seeing her step into this role, inviting her community, and helping lead this celebration is incredibly powerful.”

GiGi Gianni of South Barrington, namesake and inspiration for GiGi’s Playhouse, and Lukas Lazauskas deliver a gala invitation to South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie, center. Courtesy of GiGi's Playhouse

Starting in Hoffman Estates, GiGi’s Playhouse has grown to 62 sites across the U.S. and Mexico and delivered more than 400,000 hours of free programming last year.

The “i have a voice” gala will feature dinner, dancing, live music by the Bluewater Kings Band and immersive experiences reflecting the organization’s continued evolution.

New this year is a VIP Speakeasy, a chic, hidden bar experience accessed by a password, designed to offer VIP guests a unique and elevated way to experience the evening.

Individual tickets, tables of 10 and sponsorship opportunities are available by going to gigisplayhouse.org/i-have-a-voice-gala/.

Sponsors include Accurate Personnel Services, Deschouw LLC, Comprehensive Marketing Incorporated, Wintrust Bank, Industrial Source Incorporated, Novo Advisors, Supreme Lobster, Custom Promos and Moretti’s.