GiGi's Playhouse Chicago Region 5K Fun Run, 1-mile Inspiration Walk & Dash for Down Syndrome Surpasses Fundraising Goals
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers sincerely thanks all those who braved the soggy weather to make this year's Chicago Region 5K Fun Run, 1-mile Inspiration Walk & Dash for Down Syndrome a huge success ? exceeding all fundraising goals.
More than 2,000 participants and supporters from the Chicago, Deerfield, Hoffman Estates and McHenry Playhouses gathered at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont on June 10 in celebration of commitment to GiGi's Playhouse mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns that empower individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Funds raised by the event provide free therapeutic and educational programs that help kids and adults with Down syndrome improve their speech, literacy, math, nutrition, fitness, career skills and self-confidence.
Despite rainy weather, the event was a huge success ? surpassing the fundraising goal of $180,000, with donations continuing to roll in. Nancy Gianni, GiGi's Playhouse Chief Belief Officer, summed up the spirit that fueled this momentous event, "A little rain did not stop these GiGi's families! In fact, it made the celebration stronger! When you compare battling a little rain to what our kids have to battle every day it really puts things in perspective and makes you appreciate those puddles! Thousands of people splashing, dancing, walking, running and dashing for Down syndrome! It does not get any better than that!"
In addition to individual donors, over 90 teams competed in a fundraising competition. The Top Ten fundraising teams were recognized on stage in a special rewards ceremony. Second year team participant #BlayneTaylor won First Place honors bringing in over $14,000 in donations alone.
Guests enjoyed dancing with music by DJ Dave along with bounce houses, face painting, games, snacks and beverages courtesy of generous event sponsors. GiGi Gianni, the organization's namesake and global ambassador, led the crowd in singing the National Anthem and helped start both the 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk. GiGi also personally signed copies of the book, #GenerationG, an inspiring memoir that not only tells the true story of Nancy Gianni's journey after the birth of GiGi, but also chronicles the growth of the GiGi's Playhouse empire. All profits from the sale of the book go toward GiGi's Playhouse and furthering GiGi's Playhouse mission of global acceptance for all through Generation G - Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind.
About GiGi's Playhouse: The ONLY network of Down syndrome Achievement Centers, GiGi's Playhouse is an inspirational and dedicated place for families to celebrate their child and benefit from free life-changing therapeutic, educational and career training 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, CNN Hero Nancy Gianni, in Hoffman Estates, IL, the organization now includes 37 community Playhouses and mobile locations, including the first global Playhouse location in Mexico. For more information about free programs, volunteerism, impact partnerships, events and the many ways to support our families: visit http://www.gigisplayhouse.org. To see the amazing achievements happening in our Playhouse, connect with GiGi's Playhouse on Facebook.
SOURCE GiGi's Playhouse
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