Secretary of State Adrian Fontes presented GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix with an official proclamation at their 8th anniversary that declares March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day in Arizona.

With March 21 fast approaching, GiGi’s Playhouse has partnered with the Down Syndrome Network Arizona to organize a celebration taking place on March 18 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rio Vista Park in Peoria. This event is to both celebrate the wonderful members of the Arizona Down Syndrome community as well as to raise public awareness. The event will feature a picnic, food trucks, crafts, and entertainment as well as information and resource booths. It is open to the public.

GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY nationwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers. When GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix opened in 2015, it was the 21st center for the network. GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix provides educational and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, their families and the community. The organization is 90% volunteer-run, and all programs are 100% free to families. From pre-natal diagnosis through career skills, GiGi’s Playhouse makes a lifetime commitment to families. In 2022, GiGi’s provided 10,000 free program participation hours, GiGi’s Playhouse helps participants thrive through building educational, developmental, fitness, fine and gross motor, social-emotional and speech and language skills.

A member of the Arizona State Bar Association, Secretary Fontes spent his career advocating for justice and for those who are disadvantaged as a prosecutor with the Denver District Attorney and the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. He later led the International Prosecution Unit at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. He practiced law for 15 years before running for office in 2016 when he was elected Maricopa County Recorder.

“GiGi’s Playhouse is honored to have been given this proclamation by Secretary Fontes. The Down syndrome community throughout Arizona is fortunate to have the Secretary as one of their champions,” said Robin Lea-Amos, Executive Director. “GiGi’s was founded on the mission to help the world see people with Down syndrome in a new way. This proclamation helps highlight the work of our Playhouse and helps to demonstrate that people with Down syndrome are capable of anything!”