Multi-location Down syndrome awareness gala set for Feb. 25

from Northwest Herald:

GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome awareness centers in 10 cities, four states and two countries will come together Feb. 25 to celebrate Down syndrome awareness with galas.

Centers in McHenry, Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, New York, the Quad Cities, Sioux City, Rockford and Queretaro, Mexico, will be linked via satellite to spread an international message of acceptance and inspiration for individuals with Down syndrome.

This national movement for awareness of Down syndrome began in 2003 when the first GiGi’s Playhouse was started in Hoffman Estates, Scott Perlman, president of GiGi’s Playhouse in McHenry, said in a news release. Since then, 11 have opened across the Midwest, and locations in New York, Atlanta and Mexico are scheduled to open this spring.

Each location focuses on spreading awareness about Down syndrome through national campaigns, and offers free educational and therapeutic programming and tutoring.

The second annual “I Have a Voice” national gala will be an event that reaches beyond the local playhouse communities as it seeks to share the love and inspiration of individuals with Down syndrome, the news release said.

The local I Have a Voice gala will be from 7 p.m. to midnight Feb. 25 at Belvedere Banquets and Events, 1170 W. Devon, Elk Grove Village. Cost is $125 a person.

To register online, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org. For your donation to benefit the McHenry
location, click on the McHenry tab.

For additional information, visit GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry, 5404 W. Elm St., Suite A, McHenry, or call 815-385-7529.