GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield

We are beyond honored to announce that we have been named the 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year with the DBR Chamber of Commerce. The vision for the playhouse has always been to have our loved ones with Down syndrome accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities. We are so proud to be a part of a community that does just that. This recognition is a testament to the incredible support of our volunteers, donors, families and everyone who believes in our mission. Thank you to the Chamber, and to everyone we have met through the Chamber that helped us to make this a record breaking year. #CommunityImpact #dbrchamber #NonProfitOfTheYear #makingadifference Abby Clark GiGi's Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

Thank you for your support this #GivingTuesday. As our playhouse grows, so does the need for the support of the community around us. Thanks to our volunteers, our donors, and our families we have seen exponential growth this year, providing over 2500 FREE purposeful program hours. In November alone we welcome 5 new families. The need for a place that accepts, embraces and celebrates these families will always be great, and thanks to your gift, we will be there for them every step of the way. Every dollar really does make a difference. There is still time to get your #GivingTuesday donation in! Click here: https://bit.ly/41gUQGi

This #GivingTuesday you can make a massive impact by donating your time! There is a nationwide shortage of volunteers since the pandemic. As an organization that is 99% run by volunteers, it is a scary and challenging statistic. We need YOUR support to be able to do what we do for our families. Consider becoming a change-maker at the playhouse and share your knowledge and passion with our participants. A few of our needs include: Karate - Program Assistant GiGi's Kitchen - Program Lead Music - Program Lead Dance - Program Lead and Support General Program Support Committee Support in the following areas - Gala, Golf, Marketing, Fundraising and Development, Grant Writing, Finance, Programs and more! If you are interested in volunteering email SKerin@gigisplayhouse.org or fill out our volunteer form here: https://lnkd.in/gfMeP2HK

Do you like exclusive merch?! TODAY, #GivingTuesday is the final day to become a recurring donor of at least $21/month. Every monthly donor will receive an exclusive "Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind" t-shirt. We will reach out to get size and confirm address for shipping after your first monthly donation. Monthly donations help support our mission and allow us to budget for the years activities! Use the link below to make the first donation. Under Donation Frequency choose “monthly”. https://bit.ly/41gUQGi

"When we first got Mason’s diagnosis, there was a brief moment of panic, but I knew pretty quickly that we would be okay. We had already been connected to the Deerfield GiGi’s Playhouse as supporters for some friends and knew that we would have an insane support system behind us. I love that we’ve never had a unique experience, and always have someone that has been there to talk to. The family of support that we have found through GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield is extraordinary and I can’t wait to see what the future holds." ~ Dana, Mason's Mom Your donation this #givingtuesday ensures our playhouse will there for families for many years to come. Donate here: https://bit.ly/41gUQGi

This year we took on a little something extra, moving our playhouse from it’s original home in Bannockburn to our new, beautiful Deerfield location. Thanks to everyone that supported us, we were able to truly make a dream come true and DOUBLE our playhouse size. This buildout took six months to accomplish, two massive grants, an incredible general contractor and teams of volunteers and donations. For the first time we could run programs with no waitlists, expand our cooking program in a kitchen custom built for our participants to reach and work comfortably, build a dedicated gym space, customize our sensory room to fit the needs of our kids who need extra support, AND create a safe space for moms to nurse, pump and receive feeding therapy. We also have the distinct honor of being the first playhouse with it’s own mini playhouse. GiGi’s Deerfield 750 and ½ was a dream we had for our future that an amazing set of Grandparents made happen in the now. Despite this being a MASSIVE project we continued to run programs throughout, closing one playhouse and quite literally opening the next playhouse a week later. Your donation this #GivingTuesday will ensure that we will have this second home for our families to go to for many years to come. Donate today: https://bit.ly/41gUQGi

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving as a response to the consumer-focused days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The simple goal is to encourage people to give back to their communities, charities, and causes they care about. The day promotes generosity through donations, volunteering, and other acts of kindness. This #GivingTuesday consider making a tax-deductible gift to GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield. Together we are changing the way the world views Down syndrome and creating a more accepting and inclusive world for all. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gp5PUMNk

Another amazing week with staff, board, and the GiGi's Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers network of leaders and world changers! We are proud to continue to work hard for our community, and this year, we brought home 5 Standard of Execution (SOE) awards and a SOE Champion award! This does not happen without our amazing staff, an army of dedicated volunteers, and strong network support! Thank you! We are ready to welcome mission-oriented believers to our team; please reach out, and let's talk about the opportunities to use your talents to grow the mission of acceptance for all! deerfield@gigisplayhouse.org https://lnkd.in/eYqtpbpr

Thank you to our incredible partners for celebrating A Little Something Extra with us.

Despite how beautiful Savoy (and every child with Down syndrome is!), many doctors still offer sympathy instead of congratulations at birth. At GiGi's Playhouse, we're here for our families. In addition to support, we celebrate EVERY child with Down syndrome! October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we’re highlighting, educating, and celebrating all month long! Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/efeXnpX #gigisplayhouse #generationG #downsyndromeawarenessmonth #DSAM