GiGi’s Playhouse is a new nonprofit organization serving our area to fill the unmet needs of families in north central Wisconsin who have a loved one with Down syndrome.
By: Sue Nelson
Program Officer
19 NOVEMBER, 2020
GiGi’s Playhouse – Believe in Our Build
GiGi’s Playhouse is a new nonprofit organization serving our area to fill the unmet needs of families in north central Wisconsin who have a loved one with Down syndrome. Based on a national model, they are bringing a Playhouse to our area – a place where individuals, from pre-natal diagnoses to career-age adults, with Down syndrome will be able to grow, learn, and be celebrated through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based programs. In the past, families were often forced to move to larger communities to access these types of resources.
Organized locally in 2018, GiGi’s Playhouse was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Wausau Marathon County Fund, and an additional $15,000 from the Marvin & Ruth Schuette Community Enhancement Fund, to help make this dream a reality.
“The Community Foundation was an early ‘believer’ of GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau and our mission to change the way the world views a Down syndrome diagnosis and send a global message of acceptance for all. Their early support made it possible for us to launch the construction of the Playhouse and build the momentum needed to open our doors in Weston later this year,” says Dawn Follendorf, board member and grantwriter for GiGi’s Playhouse.
The Community Foundation is proud to connect the resources of generous donors like you to help support organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse who are working toward inclusion and accessibility for all.
Join GiGi’s Playhouse on Saturday, December 12, 2020, 10:00 am at gigisplayhouse.org/wausau or on their Facebook page as they JUMP AROUND for the GiGi’s Playhouse Virtual Grand Opening Party!
This will be a streamed event starring members of our community, GiG’s Playhouses across the nation, and their very own Nancy and THE GiGi Gianni.
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2020
Time: 10:00am-10:30am
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