GiGi’s Playhouse sets fundraising goal of $60,000 . . .
GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis, a local Down syndrome achievement center, will host its fourth annual 3.21 Mile Run on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Forest Park in Noblesville. The event supports the continued growth of GiGi’s Indianapolis location and the 400 Down syndrome participants and families that benefit from its free therapeutic, educational, wellness and career programs.
This year’s fundraising goal is $60,000, money that is vital to helping GiGi’s achieve its mission. “Down syndrome is not a disease and there is no cure,” Executive Director Denisse Jensen says. “It’s not going away. It’s the largest chromosomal disability in our country and yet, it’s the least funded. This run is critical in helping us expand our programs and help more children with Down syndrome no matter their skill level or their family’s ability to pay.”
The 3.21 Run is also designed to educate and inspire Central Indiana residents to embrace children and adults with Down syndrome – kids like seven-year-old Jaida from Indianapolis, who was the very first child to enter GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis when it first opened its doors in 2015.
“GiGi’s is an amazing, phenomenal place,” Jaida’s mom Deidra said. “We often feel alone and it’s nice to go to a place where you can be yourself and just exhale. It’s like an extended family. Plus, it doesn’t cost a dime!”
The 3.21 Run kicks off with open registration at 2 p.m., along with live music, a kids’ carnival and a Silly Safaris show. The Kids Dash for Down syndrome starts promptly at 4 p.m., immediately followed with the 3.21 Mile Run and a 1 Mile Inspirational Walk.
To register a team, learn more about the event, volunteer or become a sponsor click here. Registration is $35 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. All registered attendees will receive a medal.
ALDEN NEWBY: 2018 Youth Honoree
Alden Newby is a journeyer. Born in Georgia, this 16-year-old has lived in six states. The son of a newly-retired Army officer, Alden’s family just settled in Noblesville.
Alden Newby
“We heard about GiGi’s Playhouse when we were stationed in El Paso, Texas,” Alden’s mom Kiersten recalled. ”Of course, there wasn’t a playhouse near us, but we heard about the one in Indianapolis. Having grown up in the area ourselves, we knew we wanted to retire in Indy. We contacted GiGi’s the minute we arrived!”
A sophomore at Noblesville High School, Alden loves the performing arts. He is in non-impaired classes for theater, 3D art and the school’s all-male show choir. Alden is also involved with ballroom dancing and theater at GiGi’s Playhouse as well as the Page and Stage Theatre Troop in Noblesville.
“He’s always loved movies and music,” Kiersten says. “His dad and I are musicians and his older sisters used to make him play dress up. We also did a lot of his speech therapy with puppets. But the best is watching him do impersonations with his dad!”
Having previously lived in a community with little support for kids with Down syndrome, Kiersten and her husband Joe helped establish a Down Syndrome Association chapter in El Paso. They understand first-hand the importance of a safe place like GiGi’s.
“Without this kind of community, these kids can’t live complete lives,” Kiersten said. “They want to date. They want to have friends they can hang out with. They want all the same things other kids sometimes take for granted.”
The community GiGi’s creates is also invaluable for the caregivers. “It’s life saving for some,” Kiersten admits. “Parents with young children don’t know the journey they will be taking. GiGi’s gives them such a nice head start learning from parents who have paved the way, breaking down barriers and making it easier for families who follow.”
The best advice Kiersten would give to a new family? “Treat your child like everyone else. It may take a child with Down syndrome three years to master a skill that it took your average child six months to master, but they will master it. The worst a parent can do is to feel sorry for them, baby them, or expect less from them. When expectations are high and they’re treated like every other family member, kids with Down syndrome flourish!”
Alden’s uplifting story and outlook on life are an inspiration, and Gigi’s Playhouse is proud to honor him as the 2018 3.21 Mile Run Youth Honoree.
About Gigi’s Playhouse
Serving children and adults of all ages, GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis provides educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families in a format in which individuals with Down syndrome learn best. We will never let cost deter our families from participation or impede the achievement of our children and adults. In helping individuals with Down syndrome achieve their Best of All, we also advance our larger vision of global acceptance for people of all abilities. All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential. GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Learn more at gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis.