September 5, 2017 – GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, the local Down Syndrome Achievement Center, will host their annual 5K Run, 1-mile Walk and Dash for Down syndrome at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf, IA on Saturday October 7, 2017. Participants will enjoy entertainment, ice cream, inflatables, raffles and prizes. The 5K is a timed event with chipped bibs for competitive runners. There is also the 1 Mile Walk for families to participate in and a Kid’s Dash too for our younger friends. This is a family friendly “fun run/walk” where people of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Prizes are awarded to the top 25 runners and to the best costumes. Children participating in the Dash for Down syndrome will have their own race bibs and will receive medals for participation.
We invite you to come out and support the local individuals with Down syndrome (all ages) who rely on GiGi’s Playhouse for free programs and positive support. This event and the local Playhouse is made possible by the continued support of local sponsors, donors and volunteers. GiGi’s Playhouse continues to seek businesses who want to support kids and adults with Down syndrome as sponsors of the event and “impact partners” beyond the event. A list of current sponsors is available on the website.
“This fundraiser is important because it gives us a day to celebrate Down syndrome with our family, friends, and the community. We love that it gives us a platform to show the great things that are happening at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities and raises funds necessary to allow the Playhouse to continue helping individuals with Down syndrome achieve their #bestofall!”
For information on the event, please visit http://gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/5K. Individual and team donations along with all sponsorships will fund educational, therapeutic and career training programs at GiGi’s Playhouse. All programs are 100% free to Playhouse families.
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About GiGi’s Playhouse: GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY nationwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers; changing lives through free, results-driven programs for individuals of all ages, families and communities. GiGi’s Playhouse is an inspirational and dedicated place for families to celebrate their child and benefit from free programs that unleash joy, confidence and continuous improvement. Playhouses empower children and adults to achieve their “Best of All” and to pursue their dreams. Founded by GiGi's Mom, Nancy Gianni, in Hoffman Estates, IL, the organization now includes 33 community Playhouses including the first global Playhouse location in Mexico. Last year, over 25,000 individuals with Down syndrome benefited from programs and support.
In helping individuals with Down syndrome, we work to address our larger vision of global acceptance for people of all abilities. Playhouse programs, marketing and PR campaigns, impact partnerships and community engagements aim to change society’s outdated perceptions by showcasing our participants’ skills, contributions and character. By breaking down barriers and changing the way the world accepts individuals with Down syndrome, we foster a daily mindset of acceptance and generosity for everyone. For more information about free programs, volunteerism, impact partnerships, events, and many ways to support our families: please visit www.gigisplayhouse.org.
