COVID-19 can’t keep these folks from doing good work
With COVID-19 putting even the best of businesses to the test, the virus has really begun to take its toll on not-for-profits. GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers have had to close locations across the country, including in Indianapolis. All programs have been moved online.
“Our therapeutic and educational programming is free and available to all children and adults with Down syndrome,” said Denisse Jensen, Executive Director of the Indianapolis chapter. “That’s because we’ve been blessed with such generous corporate and private support. As the pandemic stretches on and social distancing becomes our new norm however, we may not be able to host many of our largest fundraisers.”
GiGi’s Playhouse Indy relies on the profits from its annual I Have a Voice Gala and 3.21 Run to keep the doors open. Fortunately, the gala took place back in February. But now the uncertainty created by COVID-19 has forced the Playhouse to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s run.
In its place, the Indy Playhouse has teamed up with 60 other Playhouses from around the country to host the inaugural nationwide Step to Accept Virtual Run, Walk, & Ride on Saturday, June 6.
“Recent stay-at-home orders coupled with closed gyms have made it difficult to stay in shape,” Jensen added. “This fundraiser really encourages our participants to stay focused on their fitness. That’s important because people with Down syndrome typically have low muscle tone, so this fundraiser not only supports the programs we provide, but also improves overall health.”
Step to Accept participants can track their steps with the Strava app, a popular fitness tracker designed to help them log their activity. The goal is for participants to collectively walk, run, or ride 50 million steps by event day while raising more than $2 million nationally. The event will be live streamed around the world at noon on June 6.
Registration is $21 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Those who register on or before May 20 will receive a T-shirt. Click here to register. To make a donation to the Indy Playhouse, click here.
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The two champions of this year’s event are Alex Touseull and Audra Lembke. Read more about them below.
Alex Touseull
Ask Alex Touseull what she loves about GiGi’s Playhouse and she’ll rattle off a list of her friends: “Terrell, Megan, Maggie, Alyssa, Sabrina, Ryan.”
The 26-year-old has done nearly everything there is to do at the Playhouse over the past four years. She participates in ballroom dancing, EPIC, cooking club and GiGi Fit. She is also interning this spring. But the one thing she’s always wanted to do has eluded her until now – serve as an event honoree. She has agreed to champion the inaugural Step to Accept Virtual Run, Walk & Ride on Saturday, June 6.
“I’m going to be famous,” Alex beamed. “The world needs more Alex!”
If by “more Alex” she means more reasons to accept the Down syndrome community and champion GiGi’s Playhouse Indy, then she’s right! It’s something her mom Angela has been doing for years as a Playhouse board member.
“I look back to when Alex was little and wish we’d had a place like GiGi’s as she was growing up,” Angela Touseull recalled. “We’re so glad we have GiGi’s today because she so looks forward to participating.”
Alex and Angela have formed a Step to Accept team with Alex’s EPIC classmates. They’ve challenged each of their team members to raise $321 – a nod to people with Down syndrome having three copies of the 21st chromosome. They encourage you to do the same.
“I want to get everyone excited to raise money so more people with Down syndrome can sign up for programs,” Alex said.
“There aren’t many programs that are completely free for people with special needs, so we rely on these donations to keep our programs at GiGi’s Playhouse going,” added Angela. “The great thing about this event is its virtual. This is something that really crosses state lines. You can do it with family and friends from all over. In a lot of ways, it’s almost better because more people can easily participate.”
The Touseulls encourage you and yours to register today.
“I love Gigi’s SO MUCH, I think more than anyone in the world,” Alex boasted. “I want to give hope for all people with Down syndrome so they know they are ALL champions!”
Audra Lembke
Alex Touseull (left) and Audra Lembke (right, woman holding baby) were both selected as champions of the inaugural Step to Accept Virtual Run, Walk, & Ride. (Photos provided)
Audra Lembke is thrilled to champion the inaugural Step to Accept Virtual Run Walk & Ride. Her 6-year-old daughter Makenna has Down syndrome. The Lembke family was one of the first families to join GiGi’s when it opened in 2015 in Indianapolis.
“Makenna was the biggest shock of our lives,” Audra recalls. “We found out she had Down syndrome at birth. Fortunately, I was introduced to a group of local moms who were working to open GiGi’s. The Playhouse has afforded us many great friendships over the years.”
A critical care nurse at Franciscan Health, Audra and her husband Geoff also have two sons – 9 years old and 1 year old.
“We are very much looking forward to this new approach at fundraising,” Audra said. “What a great way to connect to our Playhouse during this time of social distancing. We can’t wait to Zoom with our family and friends while we walk on June 6. We hope you’ll join us!”
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 Playhouse 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.