| Busy Hands Get Some Rest
 Next week, our first year of Fine Motor Skills classes will be coming to an end. Our program was a success beyond our wildest imaginations, thanks in large part to the partnerships with the Girl Scouts of St. Ben's and the occupational therapy programs at UIC and Rush Medical Center. These classes were not just a great opportunity for kids to develop their Fine Motor and Handwriting skills, but they also provided great opportunities for parents to socialize and gave all of our volunteers a life experience we're sure they'll never forget. (We're certain those Girl Scouts, who so eloquently elaborated on their experience for a Gala Video, will become lifelong advocates for the potential and ability of people with Down syndrome.) We also can't thank Rhonda Schleis and Katie Frank enough for putting the program together in the first place. While we're taking a break from weekly classes in the summer, we're still planning programming to build on the skills learned. On the first Sunday of every month, beginning in May, we'll have Arts & Crafts workshops that will reinforce the skills learned in our classes for students and their siblings. (Check our online calendar for details.) And we'll be back in the fall with even more Handwriting and Fine Motor Fun. |
 | | Get Ready for the 5K It's time to start training. The GiGi's Playhouse 9th AnnualChicagoland 5K Fun Run/1 Mile Walk/Dash for Down Syndrome is set for June 10, at the Arboretum Shopping Center of South Barrington.  Team Registration is already open (just click this link to set up a team and begin fundraising). But there are other ways you can help. Sponsorships as low as $1,000 guarantee a spot on the T-shirt distributed to all participants (which are often worn throughout the year). If you own a business, work for a business or know someone who owns or works for a business, let them know of this great opportunity to get their company's name in front of a motivated and appreciative audience. Sponsorship details are available by clicking this link. Or send us an e-mail for more information. |
| Join the Ribfest Fun! Want to have fun while earning some cash for GiGi's at the same time? Volunteer at this year's Ribfest, June 8-10. The organizers of Northcenter's biggest event have set aside 30 shifts (and will give us $50/shift) to fill on Saturday, June 9 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This is a great opportunity to get a group together (Dads of GiGi's, Perhaps?) and have some fun, all in support of a great cause. (Did we mention you'll get a T-shirt and free admission to the event?) Let's fill as many shifts as we can! Download the form on this link, fill it out and either e-mail it to craig@bigbuzzideagroup.com (and copy us, chicago@gigisplayhouse.org, as well) or return it to the Playhouse. |
| Calendar of Events Monday April 16
Spring Literacy Begins
Our 10-week session of Literacy Tutoring runs until June 30. Get your applications in now. And yes, current families, must re-register. Click here for an application. Monday, April 16
Spectacular Sibs
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Our mentor sibs (those 10 and up) plan for the next all ages meeting in May. Please RSVP if you plan on attending (10-up, please). Sunday, May 6 Arts & Crafts Workshop 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Ward of summer boredom before it begins! Our casual monthly program gives kids 6-12 (and their siblings) a chance to socialize while working on a project they can take home.
Sunday, May 6
Cabin Fever Buster!
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Mad Hatters (from the Junior League of Chicago) return for a repeat performance and story telling. Sunday, May 20 Sign Language Workshop 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Having trouble learning signs or need a refresher? Come to our workshop where we'll go over the basic signs to benefit you and your children. Sunday, June 10 GiGi's 5K/Dash for Down Syndrome 7:30 a.m. - Noon Our annual event returns. Let's get together for a morning of fun and frolic at the Arboretum Shopping Center of South Barrington. Registration is now open. Get a team together and sign up here. |
| | | Donor Focus  This week, we extend our deepest gratitude to Oscar Escalante and his employer Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. They donated five desktop computers (and monitors) to the Playhouse for use in our educational programs and every day activities. Not only did Escalante (father of Anneliesse) secure the donation for us, he came in on a Sunday afternoon to set them up and network them together. We all know how important technology is for learning in the 21st century. This donation is an important part of making sure we stay current. |
| Our 1,000 Friends Campaign We're still itching to expand our reach through social media. We had a great start, but still have a long way to go to reach 1,000 members of our Facebook Group. If you haven't already, click the link below to join our group. Then encourage all your friends to do the same. |
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