Quad Cities, IL/IA (6/20/2016) – Nancy Gianni, founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, has officially been named a 2016 CNN Hero. Nancy’s segment on CNNHeroes.com recognizes her 12-year commitment to empowering the lives of thousands of individuals and families in the Down syndrome community. GiGi’s Playhouse is a Chicagoland–based nonprofit organization that provides free educational, therapeutic and career training programs and positive support to families and individuals with Down syndrome and their families. There are dedicated Playhouse locations in 30 US cities as well as one in Mexico.
There are approximately 450,000 people in the U.S. living with Down syndrome not counting family members and friends influenced by the diagnosis. GiGi’s Playhouse – Quad Cities aims to serve as many families and communities in the surrounding area as possible through free programs and our vision of global acceptance and generosity towards people of all abilities.
Founded in 2003 after her daughter GiGi was diagnosed with Down syndrome, Gianni built GiGi’s Playhouse from the ground up, with the help of small fundraisers and many volunteers. From its inception, she vowed to make the Playhouse programs available at no cost to families. Today, GiGi’s Playhouse serves more than 25,000 families. Each Down Syndrome Achievement Center works with individuals ranging from toddlers to adults, making a lifetime commitment to all participants. Free programs help eliminate barriers to participating and achievement.
GiGi’s Playhouse also works tirelessly to change society’s perceptions about people with Down syndrome. This effort is embodied by Generation G, the organization’s newly launched national campaign to foster lasting acceptance and generosity beyond the walls of its Playhouses. The goal is for a Down syndrome diagnosis to be embraced and celebrated, not feared or judged. When this happens, children and adults with Down syndrome will have more opportunities for achievement and acceptance. In May, the Northwestern University Dance Marathon announced GiGi’s Playhouse as its primary beneficiary in 2017. GiGi’s Playhouse plans to invest the proceeds to further develop its existing programs, as well as develop a pilot Mobile Playhouse to better access underserved neighborhoods.
CNN Heroes, now in its tenth year, is an initiative that seeks to honor everyday people for their continued, selfless efforts to help others. Over the course of its tenure, the program has received over 50,000 nominations from more than 100 countries, and named just over 200 CNN Heroes. The program helps bring public awareness to the dedicated work of exemplary individuals.
About GiGi’s Playhouse:
GiGi’s Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization founded in 2003.
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 30 community Playhouses including the first global Playhouse location in Mexico. Last year, over 25,000 individuals with Down syndrome benefited from free programs and positive empowerment. In helping individuals with Down syndrome, we can address our larger vision of global acceptance for people of all abilities. Playhouse programs, marketing and PR campaigns, impact partnerships and community engagements all aim to change society’s outdated perceptions by showcasing participants’ skills, contributions and character. By breaking down barriers and changing the way the world accepts individuals with Down syndrome, we can foster a daily mindset of life, love, acceptance and hope for everyone.
# # #
