Chicago City Wire

(Hoffman Estates, IL) –  GiGi’s Playhouse, the first ever Down syndrome achievement center held its annual national “i have a voice” gala last night at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. It raised a staggering $479,000 with 475 attendees.

This high-energy, inclusive, black tie affair was co-hosted by the organization’s namesake, THE GiGi Gianni, a 19 year old with Down syndrome, and Model/Actress and leading disability awareness advocate Amanda Booth (@amanda_booth IG). Amanda has been featured on the cover of Vogue Magazine with Micah, her son with Down syndrome. 

The “i have a voice” gala - the organization’s prestigious national fundraising event - benefits GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers – a fast-growing network of 60 playhouses and startups in the U.S. and Mexico, serving families in 81 countries. GiGi’s Playhouse provides purposeful and FREE programs that help people with Down syndrome learn, thrive, and live their best lives, without putting an additional financial burden on families who benefit from its services.

As they do every year, attendees received the “red carpet treatment” at this one-of-kind fundraiser, featuring live music from the Barrington School of Rock. Then during the dinner program, this year’s Gen G Award was presented to Jaimie Rios of Accurate Personnel. The evening concluded as guests dance the night away to live music from the lively and talented band, 7th Heaven, and enjoyed a late-night pizza party!

In addition to celebrating with Amanda Booth, guests rubbed elbows with former Chicago Bears wide receiver Wendell Davis, and Super Bowl Champion Anthony Hargrove, among many former NFL players. For more information about free programs, volunteerism, impact partnerships, events, and the many ways to support GiGi’s Playhouse families, please visit www.GiGisplayhouse.org.

Photos attached:  

1) Actress/Model and Advocate, Amanda Booth and GiGi Gianni surrounded by the support of Retired NFL Players of Chicago -

CHRIS ROE - Minnesota Vikings, JUSTIN STAPLES - Tennessee Titans, JASON WILLIS - Seattle Seahawks, REGGIE SMITH - Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ANTHONY HARGROVE - New Orleans Saints (* Super Bowl Champion), J.R. NIKLOS - Kansas City Chiefs, GEMARA WILLIAMS - New England Patriots, SEAN CATTOUSE - San Diego Chargers, RAY McELROY - Indianapolis Colts, WALTER YOUNG – Pittsburgh Steelers,

ROLAND HARPER – Chicago Bears, TOM SERPENTO - Executive Director of the Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago

2) Actress/Model and Advocate, Amanda Booth and GiGi Gianni 

3)  Actress/Model and Advocate, Amanda Booth and GiGi Gianni