HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Saturday, August 18th, over 700 people attended the opening of the 38th GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center in Tampa Florida.
For the past 15 years, GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers have been changing the way the world sees Down syndrome by offering free educational and therapeutic programing and breaking down barriers to global acceptance. The opening of the Tampa Playhouse is another milestone in the company's inspired growth strategy to reach 100 locations nationwide by 2021.
Michelle Hughes, Senior Leader, Internal Operations, attended the Tampa Playhouse opening and is excited to see how the organization is expanding their mission.
"The Tampa community has welcomed GiGi's Playhouse with open arms and supported this team in their efforts to build a Playhouse which will be a source of comfort, support and achievement to their amazing families. Seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of the families who will benefit from free, purposeful programming at GiGi's Playhouse Tampa was truly inspiring," Hughes said.
Nancy Gianni, Chief Belief Officer, and GiGi Gianni, the organization's namesake and global ambassador, also attended the Tampa Playhouse opening. GiGi, who is 16, gave an inspirational speech to attendees, continuing to prove there are no barriers to what those living with Down syndrome can achieve.
"It is so emotional for me to be in these rooms today knowing that so many lives will be transformed within each of these walls. Not just for the kids with Down syndrome, but for the entire community! Individuals with Down syndrome will benefit from free tutoring in literacy and math, free therapeutic based programming, free career skills training, and all the tools they need to succeed in life. But at the very same time, the community gets a dedicated place to learn about the value of acceptance and how they can be a part of changing the world. A place that feels like Disneyland but has the courage of a Lion!" Gianni said.
Tampa Playhouse Opening guests enjoyed live performers, fresh pasta making demonstrations by the adults with Down syndrome, recreational and therapeutic games, food, fun and networking with Playhouse team! GiGi's Playhouse Tampa welcomes community members to visit the Playhouse located at 3611 W Hillsborough Ave. Those interested in volunteering may visit https://www.tfaforms.com/4603920 and submit an application.
SOURCE GiGi’s Playhouse
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