march 2009 wow, what a party!gigisplayhouse.org/pdf_news/2009-news/09-march.pdfhoffman estates...

The 3rd annual Spreadthe Love Gala was so muchmore than a Gala. It was aninspirational event that touchedeveryone whoattended! RobJohnson, CBSchannel 2anchor, capti-vated theaudience ashe shared his experiences grow-ing up with a brother withDown syndrome and whatGiGi’s Playhouse means to him.He also narrated the Siblingvideo which made its’ debut atthe Gala. The video featured

over 12 siblings of indi-viduals with Down syn-drome as they shared, intheir own words, what

life was likefor themhaving a sib-ling with Down syn-drome. The com-mon theme wasthat their life was

enhanced and they wished thatthey could share that with alltheir school-aged peers. In fact,that is was the video was creat-ed to do! It will be used inschools and other educationalsettings to share the reality of

what Downsyndrome isand howindividualswith Down

syndrome are a gift to the livesthey encounter.

Thanks to Lora Bak, her commit-tee, Rob Johnson, all the generoussponsors, the volunteers from theSchaumburg Jaycees, BarringtonHigh School Video Class and allour incredible guests. The Galawas an event to remember. Lookinside (page 2) to see pictures ofthe event and all the sponsorswho made the event possible!

Hoffman Estates Fox Valley McHenry ChicagoM A R C H 2 0 0 9Now Serving 4 Locationswww.gigisplayhouse.org

LLoovviinngg aa cchhiilldd wwiitthh DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee iissccoonnttaaggiioouuss...... HHeellpp uuss sspprreeaadd tthhee lloovvee!!

“I just saw that you were namedone of the Chicagoans of the yearand wanted to say congratulations.Most of all I want to say thank you.When I had Cristian I had no ideawhat was in store for me or how ful-filling his life would and could be.When he was born and they told methat he had Down syndrome I justcried. I was not crying because hehad Down syndrome but because Idid not want people to judgeCristian for the way he looked beforethey got to know him and being afirst time mom, I was terrified. WhenI first met you, I was greeted withthat big smile and hug that you giveeveryone you meet. Due to yourvision through GiGi’s Playhouse, the

volunteers, the playgroups and theother parents that we have met, weare able to embrace Cristian andcope with his good, bad and stub-born moments. It is always good to

know that you are not alone.Through the calendar and otherprojects the world is able to seeCristian how we see him as thisbeautiful little boy with the world athis fingertips. With guidance, sup-port and acceptance, he is able toachieve all his little heart desires. AsI am typing this Cristian is taking anap and I can’t believe how incredi-bly blessed we are and I couldn’t letanother moment go by withoutexpressing our deepest gratitude. PS.I am fighting back tears while writ-ing this. GiGi’s holds a very specialplace in our hearts and without youguys we would not have had theopportunities that we have had.“Love, Vivian, Eric & Cristian

TThhaannkk YYoouu

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WWooww,, WWhhaatt aa PPaarrttyy!!

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WWooww,, WWhhaatt aa PPaarrttyySSpprreeaadd tthhee LLoovvee GGaallaa

PPoollaarr PPlluunnggeeWe are plunging in GiGi’s name this

year at the annual Polar Plunge benefit-

ting Special Olympics programs! Weinvite all GiGi’s families to come outand cheer on these folks on March1st, 9am at North Avenue Beach in

Chicago (free parking available) –GiGi’s will be meeting in the registra-tion tent! Wear your GiGi’s gear!!!

Please contact 773.428.7272 formore information.

Chicago —

FFlloouurriisshh iinn tthheeFFoooottlliigghhttss PPrreesseennttssThree Little Pigs: “The Musical”Join us for a special evening of drinks,hors d’oeuvres and dessert — all to

benefit GiGi’s Playhouse. Presented byMetropolis Outreach Programs andArlington Pediatric Therapy.

Saturday, May 9th, at 7pm at theMetropolis Performing Arts Centre in

Arlington Heights.Tickets will be $30 (includes 2 drinks,

hors d’oeuvres and dessert) and can bepurchased online at www.gigisplayhouse.org

2 & Under Playgroup Families with chil-dren 2 and under get together and play whilethe parents network with each other. Siblings always welcome.

Crawlers This group focuses on crawlingskills as well as fine motor skills, social interac-tion with peers in a semi-structured environ-ment.

Walkers This group focuses on post walk-ing skills with peers to prepare children forschool activities (balance beam, kicking, throw-ing, jumping, etc.).

Hop, Skip & Jumpers This program helpspromote friendships, social skills, and interactiveplay through fun creative activities! For pre-school and kindergartners (3-5yr olds).

Playhouse Pals This structured playgroupfocuses on developing friendships and confi-dence all while having a great time! 1st -3rdgrades (6-8yr olds).

Kids Club This fast paced group incorpo-rates social, communication and confidence-building skills and activities! 4th-8th grades(9-12 yr olds)

Teen-Tastic What a party! We order pizzafor dinner and have lots of fun watching moviesand playing games with each other. 9th-12thgrades (13-17 year olds).

Friday Friends Karaoke, dances, softballgames — the fun never ends! Adults 18 + over.

Nuestros Angeles Spanish speaking familiesgather for food, fun, friendship and education!

Polish Group What a party! Many Polishspeaking families attend this group each monthto meet other families and have a great timetogether!

Open Play Come on over for pizza, popand fun! Everyone is welcome to this weeklygathering of networking and friendship build-ing.

Literacy Our free Literacy program teacheskids with Down syndrome how to read the waythat they learn best!! This is by appointmentonly — call your local Playhouse for more info.

Daddy & Me Dads, bring your kids andmeet other fathers in your area! What a greattime to hang out with your kids while meetingnew people.

Reserve it! The Playhouse can be reservedfor any Down syndrome function or other spe-cial needs group. Call your local Playhouse formore info.

*Children must always be accompanied by aparent/adult

L o o k a t a l l o f o u r f r e e e d u c a t i o n a l p r o g r a m s a n d a c t i v i t i e s ! C h e c k y o u r l o c a l P l a y h o u s e c a l e n d a r t o s e e t i m e s a n d d a t e s .

PPrrooggrraammss && AAccttiivviittiieess!!NNoo AAcccciiddeennttssby A imee Ve i th

“Hi... I got the newsletter last nightand as I read the portion on volunteersI thought Wow.... I think that is mygood friend Jeri Reed. Sure enough itwas. Jeri and I taught together at ISDfor 15 years before she moved back upnorth to be near her family. When mydaughter Ella was born she was andcontinues to be a great support. WhenElla was very young I found your web-site and told Jeri she should volunteerfor you, since her girls were older nowand I could not get her great support,others should! So it was not but a fewdays later you came to her church toask for support for your site. She wasreally curious and then when youopened a site in McHenry, closer to herhome, she was struck and loves herwork there! There are not accidents inlife and everything and everyone has apurpose... just like when you told mygood friend to send her daughter hereto ISD. Know you are doing great things!”

Join Us for our Educator &Therapist Open House!Tues., March 10th,5:30–7pm

Are you a therapistor educator and wantto find out more aboutthe programs GiGi’sPlayhouse has to offer?

We invite therapistsand teachers to learnmore about GiGi’s Playhouse and the wonderful programs that are available. For more information, call 712.226.PLAY or [email protected]

Open PlaySat., March 28, 10-NoonEveryone is Welcome! Stopby for cookies, juice & fun!

Help WantedWe are looking for Volunteers and

Therapists to help run playgroups, craftsand activities! Call 712.226.PLAYor email [email protected]

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McHenry —

1551 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 7Sioux City, Iowa [email protected]

Grand OpeningMarch 21,2009

10am–1pm

GiGi’s Playhouse is officially expandingfrom Illinois to Iowa! This will be the5th location and we are excited to bethe first outside of the Chicago area!

GGiiGGii’’ss PPllaayyhhoouussee SSiioouuxx CCiittyy,, IIoowwaa

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54321MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

H O F F M A N E S TAT E S

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SUNLiteracy 11–11:45amOpen Play12:30–2pmLiteracy 5:15–7:30pm

Literacy 10am–2:15pmSpecial IntentionsMeeting 7–9pm

LiteracyProgram1:30–3pm

LiteracyProgram6–7:30pm

Open Play 12:30–2pmWendy’s NightGolf & Roselle Rd4–8pmLiteracy 5:15–7:30pm

Open Play 12:30–2pmLiteracy 11–11:45amLiteracy 5:15–7:30pm

Friday FriendsLaser Tag7–9pm

Kids Club 10–11:30amLiteracy 3:30–5:45pm

Open Play 12:30–2pmWendy’s Night4–8pmGolf & Roselle Rd.Literacy 5:15–7:30pm

Literacy 10am–2:15pmLiteracy 3–5:15pm

Literacy10am–2:15pm

Literacy 3–5:15pmLiteracy Bookmaking6:30–8:30pm





Meeting7pm


Literacy Program10am–2:15pm


Nuestros Angeles Hispanic Playgroup 11am–1pm

Polish Group11am–1pm

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Thank you,Cub Scouts! Weenjoyed seeingthe PinewoodDerby cars madeby the Scoutsand then weraced cars! TheScouts alsomade sure thateveryone at Kids Club had a car to takehome. All 9-12 year old kids are invitedto join the fun on the fourth Saturdayof every month!

Hi! I am so thrilled to have beeninvited to join this incredible GiGi’sfamily! With a background in clinicalsocial work, specifically working withchildren and teens with disabilities, Iam pleased to have been passed thetorch of facilitating the Hop, Skip &Jumpers and Playhouse Pals play-groups, as well as re-igniting the 13-17teen tastic! I have experience in creat-ing and facilitating therapeutic play-groups, which incorporate the everimportant sensory integration, social

interaction and most of all, celebratingpersonal triumphs as a community.Sara Rose

WWeennddyy’’ss NNiigghhttMark your calendar! Meet us on

March 12th & 26th between 4-8pmfor dinner at Wendy’s! Invite your fami-ly and all of your friends from GiGi’s!The manager generously provides pro-ceeds from these evenings back to theHoffman Estates Playhouse. Wendy’s islocated at the corner of Golf andRoselle Roads.

We’re bringing Teen-Tastic to theHoffman Playhouse. Come to anOpen House at the HoffmanPlayhouse on Saturday, March14th from 5-7pm! 13-17 year oldsare invited to meet Sara Rose andhelp plan all of the exciting programsfor this new group! Teens will planfuture activities.

PPeetteerr && tthhee WWoollffThe Barrington Youth Dance

Ensemble will perform Peter andthe Wolf at the Hoffman Playhouse.Wed., April 15th from 5-6pm! Stay after for a pizza party! RSVP [email protected]

MMaarrcchh@@HHooffffmmaann

Cub Scout Pack 287—Webelos den

new

new

CCaalllliinngg AAllll TTeeeennss!!

World Down SyndromeDay

Crawlers 9-9:45am2 & Under 10-11:30am Hop, Skip & JumpersNoon–1:30pm Playhouse Pals2–3:30pmLiteracy 3:30–4:45pmTeen-Tastic 5–7pm

We will go to Laser Tag in March andhave a jam session in April! Meet at860 N. Roselle Rd., Hoffman Estates.

FFrriiddaayyFFrriieennddss@@LLaasseerrTTaagg

WWeellccoommee SSaarraa RRoossee,, OOuurr NNeeww HHooffffmmaannEEssttaatteess PPrrooggrraammss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr!!

5

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MON TUE WED THUR FRI SATFOX VALLEY

SUNTeen-Tastic7–9pm. RSVP 630.778.PLAY

2 & Under 9:30–11am3-4 year old Playgroup 11am–Noon

Literacy Program4–6pm

Literacy Program12:30–1:30pmLiteracyProgram4:30–5:30pm

Literacy Program5:30–6pm





Walkers Group9:30–11amDaddy & Me 3–4:30pm



VolunteerAppreciation



Hop Skip & Jumpers 10:30am–NoonPlayhouse Pals2–4pmWorld Down SyndromeDay




Nuestros AngelesHispanic Play Group 11am–1pm


Evening Open Play6–8pmRSVP 630.844.1720 orGenia at [email protected]

Literacy Program4–6pmWendy’s Night5–8pm

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As many of you know, we havemoved to a new location! The Play-house is now located in the stripmall, just to the west of Toys-R-Us atFox Valley Mall. Our new address is: 4024 Fox Valley Center DriveAurora, IL 60504

It has been a long road with lots ofchallenges and obstacles. With thetiming of the new renovations anddemolition of the old location, weare quite glad we are finally there!!!

We appreciate your patience as thePlayhouse continues to settle into ournew home. We will continue toupdate you regarding any programdevelopments. Many, many thanks to

all volunteers who helped make themove and demolition possible. Welook forward to seeing you all soonat our new GiGi’s Playhouse FoxValley location!

Special thanks to our new landlord,owner of Plaza Square, SteveDawidiuk for the kindness and coop-eration that he has showed all of us.We are grateful to Steve for accom-modating all the future needs of ourPlayhouse.

MMaarrcchh@@FFooxxVVaalllleeyy

Crawlers9:30-11amRSVP 630.423.4035Hop, Skip & Jumpers10:30am–NoonRSVP 630.335.4824


WWeellccoommee AAmmaannddaa!!We would like to welcome Amanda

Marquardt to GiGi’s Playhouse–FoxValley. Amanda had worked in the cor-porate world ofMarketing and Designbefore entering the non-profit world. She man-aged nine differentyouth programs includ-ing; special ed, literacy, tutoring andsocial recreational programs. Amandafound us through a local job site andresearched the Playhouses. She realizedthat the Playhouse’s needs matchedher experience and met her needs aswell. In making her decision to moveshe made sure she stayed in non-profitand would be serving a populationwhere she would continue to make adifference in lives. Amanda will be atthe Fox Valley location as the site coor-dinator Monday through Thursdayfrom 11am-3:30pm.

Thank you Amanda for coming tohelp us! We look forward to creatingthe environment you have envisioned.Email her at: [email protected]

PPllaaiinnffiieelldd NNooww CCaallllss FFooxx VVaalllleeyy ““HHoommee””

Ribbon Cutting CeremonyTues., March 24th, 20094pm!

GGooooddbbyyee ttoo PPllaaiinnffiieelldd PPllaayyhhoouussee

Ribbon CuttingCeremony4pmLiteracy 5:30–6pm

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McHENRY

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Literacy4–5pmSigning ‘til Dawn 5:30–6:30pm

SUNLiteracy10–11amLiteracy1–3pmLiteracy5–7pm


Open Play 10am–NoonLiteracy4–6:30pm


Nuestros Angeles Hispanic Playgroup 10am–Noon

LiteracyProgram11am–2pm


Literacy10–11amOptions & Advocacy 10–11:30amLiteracy 1–3pmLiteracy 5–7pm

Literacy4–5pmSigning ‘til Dawn 5:30–6:30pmTeen Tastics 7–8pm

LiteracyProgram11am–2pm




Literacy4–5pmSigning ‘til Dawn 5:30–6:30pmKids Club & FFF 6:30–8pm

LiteracyProgram11am–2pmWorld Down SyndromeDay





Daddy & Me 9–11am

Literacy10–11amLiteracy 1–3pmLiteracy 5–7pmBook MakingMake & Take Night6:30–8pm

Literacy4–5pmSigning ‘til Dawn 5:30–6:30pmFriday Friends7–9pm

Open PlaySt. Patricks’s Day Fun! 10–11:30amLiteracy 11am–2pmSkill Builder Saturday 1–3pm

DAWN

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Open Play 10am–NoonLiteracy 4–6:30pmWendy’s Night 5–8pm

Developed by Carrie Lucas, a trialprogram has proved successful in ourfirst run! Skill Builder Saturday is anopportunity for children on any age towork on a variety of skills. Students and

their parents moved between stationsto work on programs such as TouchMath and Handwriting Without Tears.Many parents commented that the ses-sion “completely reinforced exactlywhat the kids were working on inschool!” and that “the kids showed

amazing focus and enjoymentof learning during all of the activities.”A round of THANKS to Carrie and theteachers who volunteered to make thisprogram so amazingly successful for us.We will be hosting Skill Builders thefourth Saturday of each month.Please join in the fun of learning!

We all know of the LOVE that sur-rounds our Playhouse communities andGiGi’s Playhouse had the chance toshare that love with people in need.Recently in McHenry, there was a firethat consumed a 14-unit apartmentbuilding, leaving 38 people temporarilyhomeless. One of our PH volunteersread the story in the daily paper andknowing that we have resources that

might help, calledto see if there was

anything we could do. Just as the RedCross and the McHenry CountyHousing Authority have stepped in tohelp, so have our Playhouses. TheHoffman Estates Playhouse received alarge clothing-toy-book donation thatwas to be used for some of theNuestros Angeles families. As werelayed the story between Playhouses,we were able to share the gifts with the

families in need. We delivered thedonations to a very thankful group peo-ple. One resident tearfully expressedher appreciation, “There is nothingmore terrifying than losing your hometo a fire, losing everything. It is verykind of you to care enough about us(strangers) and give us these things.”Thank you to all you contributed dona-tions from the Hoffman Estates andMcHenry PH’s. This time, we spread thelove in a very special way!

P

P

P

P

GGiiGGii’’ss ttoo tthhee RReessccuuee

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SSkkiillll BBuuiillddeerr SSaattuurrddaayy PPrroovveess ttoo bbee aa GGrreeaatt SSuucccceessss!!

TTuueess..,, MMaarrcchh 1100tthh

WWeennddyy’’ss NNiitteeFFuunnddrraaiisseerr @@ 55--88ppmm

Join us at Wendy’s in McHenry.

A portion of all proceeds benefit the

McHenry Playhouse. 2433 N.

Richmond Rd. (by the Home Depot)

MMaarrcchh@@MMccHHeennrryy

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CHICAGO

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SUNLiteracy Program9–11am

Open Play11:30am–1pm

Literacy Program4–6:15pm

Literacy Program9–11am

Nuestros AngelesHispanic Group11:15am–1:15pm

Open Play10:15–11:30am


Playhouse Pals11:15am–12:45pm


Open Play11:30am–1pmVolunteer NightNew Parent PacketCreation6:30–8:30pm


Crawlers10–10:45am2 & Under11am–12:15pmHop Skip & Jumpers12:30–2pm

3-D IEP Meeting7pm









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Open Play10:15–11:30amKids ClubNoon–1:30pmWorld Down SyndromeDay

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LLiitteerraaccyyAt the beginning of Hop Skip and

Jumpers, Veronica stood up and sangher favorite song (besides any HannahMontana song), the “Stand Up” song.After we sang some more, did our artand crafts and had a snack I had sever-al different parents come up to me ask-ing what I am doing with Veronicabecause she talks so much and in fullsentences. I told them all the samething. Since I have had her in the liter-acy program and she is learning howto read, her speech has exploded! I mentioned I feel there is a direct cor-relation between her reading full sen-tences and speaking full sentences.Every night as part of her bedtime ritu-al, before I read her a book, she readsone of her literacy books to me. Shepicks which book she wants to read,gets the flashcards out and proceeds toread with enthusiasm.

Of course her increased speech is notthe only positive thing that has comefrom the literacy program. She is ableto keep up with her peers in herkindergarten class and her teachers are

using the literacy program concept tohelp her with her Language Arts IEPgoals. Would her speech be what it is ifshe wasn’t participating in the literacyprogram? I don’t know. But I’m glad tohave the option.

MMaarrcchh@@CChhiiccaaggoo

Are you ready for the 2ndAnnual Game Night? Well,start warming up! Gamenight begins at 6pm onSaturday, April 25 at theChicago location. Admissionis FREE but you’ve got to“pay to play”! Drinks andfood will be provided to sus-tain you while you try yourhand at Blackjack, Jenga, Wiiand more. Always thoughtyou should be royalty?Come on down and play! Atthe end of the evening wewill crown the big winnerGame Night King/Queen.

Go to www.gigisplay-house.org and click onGame Night to register!

22nndd AAnnnnuuaallGGaammee NNiigghhtt

2211 CClluubbGiGi’s Chicago is thrilled that the 21

Club has been using the Playhouse. Wehave this great space that is adored byboth children and parents. Althoughthe space alone is quite amazing, it isthe people who fill it that make it spec-tacular! Remember, the Playhouse canalso be reserved for private parties.

ssaavvee tthhee ddaatteeChicago Game NightApril 25, 2009 @ 6pm

register now online atgigisplayhouse.org

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSCHAUMBURG, ILPERMIT NO. 93

TM

Hoffman Estates1069 West Golf RoadHoffman Estates, IL 60169847.885.PLAYFox Valley4024 Fox Valley DriveAurora, IL 60504630.778.PLAYMcHenry1720 North Richmond RoadMcHenry, IL 60050815.385.PLAYChicago3660 West Irving Park RoadChicago, IL 60618773.583.PLAY

Hoffman Estates1069 W. Golf Rd.

Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

soon to be 5locations!!!!

llooccaattiioonnss

On Exhibit at the Ela LibraryThe “i have a voice” Gallery will be

featured at the Ela library in Lake

Zurich for the entire month of March!

Come and see this powerful display

and witness the impact it has on all of

its’ bystanders!

The 5K is just around the cornerand every step counts! Get yourfriends, family, and co-workers togeth-er to start a team! This year, we willhave awards for the top teamfundraisers!

Join us to color eggs,meet the EasterBunny & go on anEaster Egg Hunt! Hoffman PlayhouseRSVP at [email protected]

SSaatt..,, AApprriill 441100aamm –– NNoooonn

Come learn strategies for effectively

talking about your child at the IEP

meeting, building a partnership with

your school, and creating an educa-

tional environment for your child

where he or she can truly thrive. This

meeting will be held at the Chicago

Playhouse on March 18th at 7pm.

33--DDiimmeennssiioonnaallIIEEPP MMeeeettiinngg

Chicago —GGeett TThhoossee TTeeaammss TTooggeetthheerr!!

march 2009 wow, what a party!gigisplayhouse.org/pdf_news/2009-news/09-march.pdfhoffman estates...

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