In 2002, Nancy Gianni’s new baby girl, GiGi, was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Nancy knew her family’s life would change forever. What surprised her the most was the reactions of others. She received hugs of sympathy rather than congratulations. Nancy made a promise to GiGi that she would change the way the world looked at people with Down syndrome, and she has been keeping that promise for 21 years.
Within a year, Nancy set out to establish a place for families and communities to celebrate children and adults with Down syndrome. Founded in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse grew to 61 centers across the U.S. and Mexico.
Programs are offered 100% free to all families so that cost will never be a barrier to achievement and acceptance.
GiGi’s programs focus on life skills, social skills, safety, motor skills, math and literacy skills, and aiding them in speech and language.
For adults, GiGi’s has progressive learning programs designed to motivate adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential by developing their abilities in the areas of wellness, communication, and career skills.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a place for families to come in and connect with other families, find resources, be part of a community, and have a place for their loved ones to participate in educational and therapeutic programming.
In 2013, a group of families and volunteers got together to organize funding for a Brentwood achievement center serving families throughout the Greater Nashville Area.
A virtual playhouse is available for those families unable to travel to the Brentwood location to attend programs. On the virtual platform classes can be viewed live, or families can watch previously recorded sessions. Virtual tutoring is also available.
The center is always looking for volunteers. GiGi’s programs are offered three semesters per year and are all led by volunteers with guidance from staff. Tutors are provided with training and curriculum. In 2023, the center provided 423 hours of math and literacy tutoring, all 100% free.
Executive Director of the Nashville center Denise Bayles remarks, “People at GiGi’s, whether a volunteer, host family, or part of the community, are vigilant in making sure that our participants are in a safe and welcoming space.” Many of the families who attend programs have been with GiGi Nashville since the beginning in 2013.
Denise Bayles joined GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville two years ago and brought with her a wealth of experience as a seasoned fundraiser with non-profits like the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
She notes, “100% of our programs are free, but we really rely on the generosity of our community to help us raise the much-needed funds to provide the programs to our Greater Nashville Area participants and families.
The success of GiGi’s Nashville is attributed to foundation grants, major and corporate donors, the “Get Down for Down Syndrome” Dance-a-Thon in the fall, an annual golf tournament, and their biggest fundraiser, the “I Have A Voice” Gala.
GiGi’s Nashville has been experiencing fundraising success, and this year, they are hopeful they can raise $800,000 with $435,000 of that coming from the gala.
Denise promises that this year’s “I Have A Voice” Gala scheduled for March 29th will be no less exciting than the last. Held and catered at the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, the theme is aptly called “Blue Jeans and Ballgowns.”
The auction will feature a safari escapade, international and domestic trips, and exclusive whiskey tastings. The silent auction of typically 130 items to choose from will include gift cards, sports memorabilia, experiences, and more.
As many will fondly remember, last year, one of Taylor Swift’s Grammy-award-winning songwriters, Liz Rose, performed three of Taylor’s big hits, signed a guitar with Taylor Swift lyrics on it, and donated a private concert held at the highest bidder’s home. Denise is hopeful that she will return this year. Liz has a granddaughter with Down syndrome, and is passionate about the center’s mission and extremely supportive of the community.
There were also performances by composer/songwriter Phil Barton, GiGi’s participant Maddox Rodriguez, an Elvis impersonator, Aaron Tornquist, and Amanda Browning.
This year, GiGi’s is planning on having additional songwriters perform. There will be a cocktail hour and a full dinner served. Denise expects 350 attendees this year. Contact Emily Fakhar at 615-370-1500 regarding sponsorship opportunities and auction item donations.
Denise shares, “We make a lifetime commitment to the families at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, and that’s our promise. When I joined GiGi’s, I knew my life would be changed by the individuals with Down syndrome who we serve, but I had no idea how profoundly they would change the way I would view the world."
Follow GiGi’s Playhouse on Instagram for updates and events.
gigisplayhouse.org