Local Nonprofit Utilizes the Power of Social Media to Hold Its Second Largest Fundraiser of the Year

GiGi’s Playhouse, a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their family, and the community, is hosting its Annual Friends Fundraising Campaign for the month of October in celebration of Down Syndrome Acceptance Month. This fundraiser is for the Phoenix/Scottsdale location of GiGi’s Playhouse, which is 90 percent volunteer run, serves 800 families and supplies 9,000 hours of free programing for its community in a typical year.

This peer-to-peer fundraiser is primarily through social media and is the second largest fundraiser of the year for the organization. Last year during the pandemic and quarantine, GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale raised over $80,000 during this campaign to fund therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math, motor skills and more.

“We are thrilled and ready for another year of the Annual Friends Fundraising Campaign here at GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix,” said Robin Lea-Amos, executive director of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, it is projected that typical kids will take one year to catch up academically and socially, whereas kids with Down syndrome are projected to take five years to catch up. That’s why it is essential for us to have this funding to continue to provide free support for our community and fulfill our goals to expand.”

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale aims to build a fitness studio for its community to offer more fitness classes and promote health, socialization and leadership opportunities. With a larger space, it is projected that the organization will be able to help twice as many families.
Community members can get involved and donate for this year’s Annual Friends Fundraising Campaign by visiting https://gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/friends-of-gigis/. To connect with GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale, please visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/# or find GiGi’s on Facebook @GigisPlayhousePhoenix.

About GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale
GiGi’s Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. The Phoenix/Scottsdale location brings free therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more for Valley families. All ages are welcome from pre-natal to adults. The positive and uplifting environment of GiGi’s Playhouse empowers those with Down syndrome to reach their highest potential. For more information, please visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/.