GiGi’s Playhouse in Fort Wayne hosted a special Christmas event on Friday, aimed at spreading holiday cheer and providing inclusive activities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
A Heartfelt Event with a Short Turnaround
The event, planned on short notice, was made possible through generous donations and the efforts of local volunteers. Holly Tonak, the Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse, shared the challenges of organizing the event quickly. “We received donated gifts and had to find a way to give them out,” Tonak explained.
To ensure the event’s success, Tonak reached out to friends and families with Down syndrome, who were eager to help. “I quickly called some of my friends who have Down syndrome to see if they were available on Friday, giving us the most amount of time to prep for this,” she said. Thanks to the support of the community and a network of volunteers, the event was a success.
GiGi’s Playhouse is known for being 99% volunteer-run, with hundreds of local volunteers contributing their time and effort to make the event possible.
A Santa and Mrs. Claus with Down Syndrome
A unique aspect of the Christmas celebration was the inclusion of Santa and Mrs. Claus, both of whom have Down syndrome. This decision was part of GiGi’s Playhouse’s mission to make every aspect of the event inclusive and accessible to all.
Adrienne Baltis, mother of 3-year-old Teddy who has Down syndrome, shared her touching experience. “We actually took Teddy to see Santa two weeks ago, and he did sit on Santa’s lap, and he didn’t cry, but he had a huge frown on his face the whole time,” Baltis said. “When we came here, he ran up to Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even after he had his turn with Santa, he kept going back up there, so I think he felt comfortable.”
This personal connection to Santa and Mrs. Claus created a welcoming and comforting atmosphere for the children, reflecting the organization’s commitment to inclusion and celebration.
Community Involvement and Opportunities
GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome through free educational and therapeutic programs. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and donations to fulfill its mission.
Anyone interested in supporting GiGi’s Playhouse through volunteering or making a donation can easily sign up on their website.
The event served as a reminder of the importance of community, inclusion, and spreading holiday joy to all, regardless of ability.
