GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis, a local Down syndrome achievement center, will host its fifth annual 3.21 Mile Run on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Forest Park in Noblesville. The event supports the continued growth of GiGi’s Indianapolis location and the 400 participants who have Down syndrome and families that benefit from its free therapeutic, educational, wellness and career programs.
This year’s fundraising goal is $55,000, 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.”
Anna Skomp
The 3.21 Run is also designed to educate and inspire Central Indiana residents to embrace children and adults with Down syndrome – kids like 11-year-old Anna from Noblesville, who was born with a heart defect that has required three open heart surgeries.
Anna Skomp is a busy little girl. When she’s not dancing, you’ll find her playing soccer, cheering, and running track at Special Olympics. A fifth grader in Noblesville Schools, Anna is a social butterfly who loves going to school and being with her friends.
The Skomp family found GiGi’s back when it was founded in 2015. Anna has benefitted from the Playhouse in many ways, but most recently through its bike riding classes.
“Anna loves GiGi’s and so do I,” Anna’s mom Debbie beams. “GiGi’s is such a great place to connect with other families and see that you’re not alone. We’ve made some life-long friendships through GiGi’s that have provided tremendous support and resources.”
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 $20 up until July 1, $25 between July 1 and Aug. 1, and $35 after Aug. 1 through race day. Kids 12 and under can register for $15. All registered attendees will receive a shirt and medal.
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. GiGi’s will never let cost deter families from participation or impede the achievement of children and adults. In helping individuals with Down syndrome achieve their Best of All, GiGi’s also advances the 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.