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ANNUAL REPORT 2021 GIGISPLAYHOUSE ORG NEWYORK NYC GIGISPLAYHOUSE ORG 646 801 7529
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 31 Letter from Our Board Co Presidents Our Story Founders Principles Letter from Our Staff Our Community GiGi s NYC Ambassador Danielle Cumberbatch Recurring Programs Parent Caregiver Resource Groups Summer Programs New Programs Community Education Special Events 2021 Annual Gala Financial Overview GiGi s NYC has provided a platform for me Our Donors and Supporters and my family to enjoy with other families with similar journeys The support system is awesome I appreciate the commitment of each staff member volunteer that dedicates their time to impact each child God bless everyone involved with making GiGi s NYC an awesome successful organization Leadership Staff and Volunteers Community Partners Take Action 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 2 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 3
LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CO PRESIDENTS We are thrilled to have kicked off 2021 as GiGi s NYC new Co Presidents and continue the success and growth of GiGi s NYC under the leadership and passion of Frank Sawyer after four amazing years 2021 turned out to be an exceptional year as we slowly reopened our doors and recovered from the global pandemic We continued the momentum with growing our programs both virtually and in person to meet the evolving needs of our community We increased our parent support groups added theatre based programs for our teens launched sports clinics for all ages as well as expanded our lecture series which attracted numerous well respected speakers to educate our community As Co Presidents of the Board and parents of teens with Down syndrome who have been attending programs at GiGi s NYC since we opened in 2012 it is amazing and heartwarming to see how our boys have grown in these amazing almost 10 years Through the support of their community and their peers our boys have grown into young men who have excelled in all areas Troy voted in the 2020 presidential election and is now attending the InclusiveU program at Syracuse University He is attending university classes with the support of peer mentors living independently in the dorm with over site from a residential mentor and frequents sporting events at the DOME He is absolutely loving it and making the most of his college experience Malik is following in Troy s footsteps with goals of also going to college as he finishes his junior year of high school Their friendship since the age of eight is an indication that our GiGi s NYC community is unique and our programs which promote socialization independence and advocacy are invaluable and attainable for every individual that participates The success of our boys and all the participants at GiGi s NYC is directly attributable to the amazing programs staff and volunteers that give so much to our growing community We thank you for your tireless efforts and commitment to our community We look forward to a new year filled with growth excitement and achievements As the ages of our participants grow and new families discover us it is critical that we expand accordingly As such we are anxious to expand our adult programming which includes a post secondary education for our participants including GiGi Prep GiGi University and GiGi Professional enhance our new family programs with licensed therapists and partners in Early Development increase our parent caregiver programs to further support our community and much more It is with the amazing and generous support of our community families and donors that will make our dreams a reality We hope you take this incredible journey with us Sincerely Jane Providenti 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 4 Yamira Siu 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 5
FOUNDERS PRINCIPLES OUR STORY OVERVIEW GiGi s NYC is the only organization in New York City solely dedicated to the development of individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood and at every phase of life We provide therapeutic educational social and creative arts programs and events year round at no cost to participants or their families We empower our diverse participants to be included in the greater community to be their whole selves and to make the world a better place GiGi s NYC offers a supportive and nurturing environment that enables individuals parents expecting parents and families to connect With our migration to a more virtual world GiGi s NYC is at the forefront of innovation and delivering online programs for our growing community all while being completely funded by our generous donors VISION MISSION Our vision is to see a world that is socially just where individuals with Down syndrome have a voice and are accepted and embraced in their families schools and communities making the world a better place to live work and prosper Our mission is to improve the lives of all people with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood by providing them with the resources they need to apply to life s challenges and achieve We accomplish our mission by providing innovative life changing programs at no cost to our participants and families GiGi s NYC s programs and events empower people with Down syndrome to realize their fullest potential and build the skills necessary for success in school work and their community We openly celebrate and share their unique talents and achievements to honor their rightful place in the world 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 6 GiGi s NYC opened its doors in 2012 under the vision of our Founders Tracy Nixon and Debbie Morris Their dream was to create a place where their daughters would be able to socialize learn and make lifelong friendships Nine years later we are still the only organization in New York City dedicated to solely serving the Down syndrome community GiGi s NYC is realizing its vision and mission We are changing the perception of Down syndrome in New York City and beyond by recognizing and celebrating the many achievements of our diverse community 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 7
LETTER FROM OUR STAFF ROSELLA LOFARO 2021 was marked by a significant number of momentous occasions for our community Here are a select few We named our newest ambassador Danielle Danielle is a regular participant of our Gratitude Art Committee and quickly found her voice in the group through leading a virtual poetry writing workshop We introduced Fatima a longtime GiGi s NYC participant as our resident blogger Fatima s monthly series Words of Wisdom showcases her talent as a writer as well as her knowledge about a variety of important topics We successfully launched a hybrid program model in person and virtual to meet the evolving needs of our community and to continue expanding our reach We kicked off our Leaders in Communication program in partnership with The NYU SpeechLanguage Hearing Clinic 2021 was a year of many successes for GiGi s NYC and I could not be prouder of our amazing participants families and volunteers After a long hiatus from in person programs due to COVID 19 we re opened our physical Playhouse doors in July I was thrilled to finally meet our community in person it was perhaps the biggest highlight of my year We successfully piloted our virtual GiGiKitchen program led by GiGi s NYC participant Victoria Victoria earned a college degree in Culinary Arts and is the first person with a disability to have completed this rigorous program We hosted a bi annual Sports Clinic at Marymount School of New York led by GiGi s NYC Associate Board Members Kyle Galin and Isaac Shapot Due to the popularity of our classes hosted by CO LAB Theater Group over the summer they ran a semester long musical theater residency program during our Fall Semester which culminated in their very own production We were able to create a safe space for our participants to reconnect and when we finally met in person at the Playhouse it felt like no time had passed As we navigated and got used to our new normal the resilience of our community shined as bright as ever Even through masks vaccine mandates and of course a few COVID 19 scares our community continued to blow through barriers dispel misconceptions about Down syndrome and more importantly they continued to ACHIEVE We expanded our Gratitude Art Committee Program to twice a week It is now held virtually on Tuesdays and in person on Wednesdays The GiGi s NYC community is UNSTOPPABLE It is an honor to witness firsthand the growing list of achievements of our amazing participants Many thanks to all of those who have supported the GiGi s NYC community staff members volunteers donors community partners friends and family May we all continue to show the world how much the Down syndrome community ROCKS Sincerely Rosella Lofaro Operations Manager 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 8 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 9
OUR COMMUNITY GIGI S NYC AMBASSADOR DANIELLE CUMBERBATCH I see myself helping others like me grow beyond social limits I get to work with others to bring awareness to Down syndrome and to expand the programs within New York City Danielle Cumberbatch GiGi s NYC introduced Danielle Cumberbatch as our newest Ambassador at the Annual Gala on October 21 2021 Danielle loves to read write and help people She joined our community in July 2020 and has been an active participant ever since She attended our Summer Programs and is a regular participant at our Gratitude Art Committee GAC Program She even introduced our other GAC participants to poetry writing and hosted them for a virtual Poetry Slam Danielle has a number of ideas to help increase the impact of the GiGi s NYC community For example her and her peers can volunteer by reading to children organize a book drive for young children with Down syndrome and host an inperson Poetry Slam When she s not too busy Danielle is very proud to help pack and distribute food and supplies to people who were displaced by the volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines last year GiGi s NYC congratulates Danielle on her amazing accomplishments 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 10 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 11
RECURRING PROGRAMS RECURRING PROGRAMS Community Chorus Gratitude Art Committee NYU Speech Program TeenTastic Night Out Chorus participants develop and reinforce skills such as body awareness listening vocal production diction and memorization Performing builds confidence self esteem and resiliency and provides the satisfaction that comes from working as a team Recommended for all ages Adults with Down syndrome gain handson experience creating art while expressing themselves building confidence and socializing with peers Our artists volunteer their time and talent creating art to share with our community and the world showing our gratitude Soci t G n rale features a permanent installation of Gratitude Art in their New York City home office Recommended for ages 18 and older In partnership with the New York University Speech Language Hearing Clinic GiGi s NYC participants have the opportunity to receive screenings evaluations and intervention services in the areas of speech language hearing voice and stuttering on an individual basis Recommended for all ages GiGi s NYC partners with New York Cares to plan an awesome social night for teens Each month there is a different theme and various activities that help facilitate social skills and friendshipbuilding among peers Recommended for ages 13 to 20 Family Fun Movement An opportunity which brings the family together with movement and music and introduces basic dance styles techniques and movement while facilitating improvement of gross motor skills mental and muscle memory strength flexibility and coordination Recommended for ages 10 and under GiGiFIT GiGiFIT helps participants build strength endurance power joint stability balance and movement control GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness Recommended for ages 5 and older 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC One to One Literacy Tutoring The One to One Literacy Tutoring Program uses a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field Our goal is to foster a love for reading and provide an opportunity to develop and master skills Trained tutors work at the level of the student continually challenging and encouraging them to reach their highest potential Recommended for ages 3 and older LitLab LitLab connects participants with volunteer tutors to engage in arts inspired learning to create presentations on various engaging topics We focus on reading public speaking PowerPoint and social skills as we dive into fun research projects based on a mutual appreciation of music art dance reading cooking and more Recommended for ages 10 and older Page 12 Rising Stars Rising Stars offers the art of improv comedy theater to our community Improv is the art of creating scenes and comedy on the spot using imagination and personal experiences while working with your fellow actors Recommended for ages 13 and older Self Defense This program is a martial arts inspired workout which teaches our participants the basic techniques to protect their health and well being Recommended for ages 5 and older Yoga This program aims to provide our participants with simple meditation and teaches them various body postures for the purpose of health and relaxation Recommended for ages 5 and older Zumba Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves to create a fun and interactive workout Recommended for ages 5 and older TeenTastic TeenTastic promotes socialization friendships and connection among our participants in a casual and fun setting Recommended for ages 13 to 20 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 13
PARENT CAREGIVER RESOURCE GROUPS SUMMER PROGRAMS New Parent Support Group Charla Familiar Summer Clubhouse New Parent Support Group is a family based group session in collaboration with the faculty and students from Hunter College Graduate School of Early Childhood Special Education It is an opportunity for families to engage in structured conversation on a specific developmental topic for each session focusing on parent child interactions and direct support of child learning through guided interactions and strategies Recommended for families with children ages prenatal to 3 With the success of Parent Caregiver TableTalk the Outreach Committee launched Charla en Espa ol for our families and caregivers in our LatinX community to unite and support one another in all areas Recommended for parents caregivers siblings and friends who have a loved one with Down syndrome Summer Clubhouse encompasses a broad range of activities that facilitate sensory exploration gross and motor development and language skills This program leverages parent caregiver involvement in various activities at the Playhouse and within and around NYC Recommended for ages 5 to 12 Dad s Social Club Dad s Social Club is a place for fathers and father figures to socialize and share their experiences provide support and advice or just listen Recommended for fathers and father figures who have a loved one with Down syndrome Con el xito del Padre Cuidador TableTalk el Comit de Divulgaci n lanzado Charla en Espa ol para nuestras familias y cuidadores en nuestra comunidad LatinX a unirse y apoyarse unos a otros en todas las reas Recomendado para padres cuidadores hermanos y amigos que tienen un ser querido con s ndrome de Down This program allows our participants to explore their independence while learning life skills developing social skills and relationships and experiencing the culture and arts of New York City Recommended for ages 13 to 20 Summer Horizons Participants have the opportunity to continue developing meaningful life skills through shared experiences and various learning opportunities while participating in numerous activities Building friendships and reinforcing skills such as self confidence healthy lifestyles money management and more are all part of the curriculum Recommended for ages 21 and over Parent Caregiver TableTalk TableTalk is a safe space where the GiGi s NYC community can share their experiences swap resources network build connections and so much more Recommended for parents caregivers siblings and friends who have a loved one with Down syndrome 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Summer Adventures Page 14 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 15
NEW PROGRAMS COMMUNITY EDUCATION Esther Arden Best Buddies GiGiKitchen We re launched our Best Buddies Chapters with The Dalton School and Columbia University giving our participants the opportunity to connect regularly with their peer buddies in a one to one and group setting to engage in fun activities and conversations Reccommended for ages 14 and older Participants prepare and cook healthy and delicious recipes led by one of our participants Victoria who has a College Degree in Culinary Arts and is the first person with a disability to have completed this rigorous program Participants are taught about kitchen safety nutrition food preparation and health and wellness while also learning about measuring ingredients food handling ingredient identification and various cooking techniques At the end of the semester participants prepare a three course meal Recommended for ages 16 and older CO LAB Theater Group In partnership with CO LAB Theater Group this musical theater program aims to develop and build various musical theater skills The ensemble works together to create and perform their own number as they learn about a variety of musical theater productions Recommended for ages 16 and older Occupational Therapist Mother of a Teenager with Down Syndrome Self Direction Dr Brian Chicoine Co founder and Medical Director of the Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge Illinois Dr Adriana Matiz and Dr Dodi Meyer Professors of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center COVID 19 Vaccine Education Dr Lina Patel Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine Common Health Problems in Adolescents with Down Syndrome Regression in Down Syndrome Lindsey Coyle Jane Providenti Leaders in Communication Special Olympics New York Post Secondary Education Workshop In partnership with The NYU Speech LanguageHearing Clinic our participants work with NYU graduate school speech language pathology clinicians in a dynamic series of sessions focused on social communication skills interview skills empowerment and advocacy Recommended for ages 13 and older Dr Kathleen Feeley Director of Program for the NYC Region of Special Olympics New York Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Long Island University and founding Executive Director of the Center for Community Inclusion CCI Inclusive Educational Programming Strategies to Address Challenging Behaviors Evidence Based Strategies to Teach Communication to Individuals Supporting Children and Young Adults with Down Syndrome Dr Bonnie Keilty Co President of the Board of Directors GiGi s NYC Maya Rawal Genetic Counseling Graduate Student from Vagelos College of Physicians Surgeons at Columbia University Genetics of Down syndrome How to speak with our children about what it means to have Down syndrome Jodi Samuels Author of Chutzpah Wisdom and Wine I would change the world for you but I would not change you for the world Professor and Chair of the Special Education Department at Hunter College Recognizing and utilizing family strengths to empower advocate for and help your child develop and grow 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 16 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 17
SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS World Down Syndrome Day WDSD Celebrations Conversation and Q A with Connor s Canine Cookies GiGi s NYC 3rd Annual Fashion Show Summer Clubhouse encompasses a broad range of activities that facilitate sensory exploration gross and motor development and language skills This program leverages parent caregiver involvement in various activities at the Playhouse and within and around NYC Recommended for ages 5 to 12 Our 3rd Annual Fashion Show was virtual and showcased members of our community near and far from New York City to Lagos Nigeria Participants strutted their stuff in their favorite fashions showcased their various talents and gave empowering I Am statements about themselves Meet Grace Strobel Down Syndrome Advocate Speaker Model GiGi s NYC 7th Annual Dancing for Down Syndrome March 21st is recognized each year as World Down Syndrome Day 3 21 represents the third copy of the 21st chromosome trisomy 21 Down syndrome We join our voices and belief with communities all over the world creating awareness and acceptance for people living full lives with Down syndrome GiGi s NYC went all out for World Down Syndrome Day this year and celebrated in the following ways The T21 Project Juliet Furst founder of The T21 Project conducted a series of interviews and photographed GiGi s NYC participants in Central Park which were posted on social media capturing their achievements and contributions to our world New York Cares Our dedicated volunteers led a discussion with our teenagers about what WDSD means to them and how they were going to celebrate the day John s Crazy Socks John and Mark Cronin invited members of the GiGi s NYC community to participate in a WDSD celebration that John s Crazy Socks sponsored with the National Down Syndrome Society They asked self advocates with Down syndrome from GiGi s NYC to submit a video that was part of a larger video they presented called I am Down Syndrome Grace Strobel a model with Down syndrome and her mother Linda provided an interactive discussion with our community She seeks to change society s view of individuals with Down syndrome and people of all abilities and celebrates inclusion Grace s mission is to continue the campaign of acceptance and the illumination of the gifts and talents of all people Positive Exposure Working with Elizabeth Grossman and team Rick Guidotti interviewed several GiGi s NYC families about their relationships with GiGi s NYC and their community They discussed the empowering work being done at GiGi s NYC what WDSD means to them and how they would celebrate the day GiGi s NYC Community Chorus and the Moyinoluwa Rainbow Foundation Produced a watch party comprised of inspirational songs conducted by Broadway s Laurie Gamache Nigeria s Save Down Syndrome Ambassador Tola Makinde shared her community with us in this moving program Barclays Center and Brooklyn Nets Academy Basketball Clinic hosted a basketball fitness clinic teaching the fundamentals of basketball handling and shooting techniques Later in the evening the Barclays Center celebrated WDSD by lighting their stadium in blue yellow Columbia University Best Buddies Chapter celebrated by viewing a variety of short films and other works of vibrant art reflecting on representation inclusion and the unique talents and achievements of those with Down syndrome 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Anti Racist Book Clubs In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day Ms Jessica Semmel public school teacher social worker meditation teacher and mom hosted a two part book club event which facilitated dialogue in a safe space to learn about race and racism Page 18 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Our virtual Dance a Thon to move for acceptance and awareness was led by Daniel s Music Foundation which raised over 20k in donations as our community showcased their dance moves Sports Clinic at Marymount School of New York We hosted our second bi annual Sports Clinic led by GiGi s NYC Associate Board Members Kyle Galin and Isaac Shapot with special guest Ryan Imparato Clinician for the Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy Participants were led in various basketball drills and exercises Page 19
2021 ANNUAL GALA On Thursday October 21 more than 200 people gathered in person at the Edison Rooftop to celebrate GiGi s NYC s Annual Gala The event recognized the many successes of our community and those who give their time talent and hard work to ensure that those with Down syndrome achieve their fullest potential The live stream of the event was equally as popular and enjoyed by a virtual audience near and far Our 2021 Gala honorees Soci t G n rale along with Sharon Hart Fanelli Account Director from Wakefield have committed to continuing their exceptional work by facilitating Connect To Achieve on behalf of individuals with Down syndrome Thanks to the efforts of many The 2021 Gala was the most successful in GiGi s NYC history breaking all fundraising records for past Galas with a 90 increase in gross funds raised in addition to a 30 increase in attendance as compared to our last in person Gala in 2019 L Ad Williams Creator and Co host of The Harlem Connection radio show The L A W hosted the event with style and flair His passion for our mission and quick wit kept our guests and viewers 2021 ANNUAL GALA engaged Two well known Harlemites actress Zazie Beetz and photojournalist Flo Ngala spoke to our guests about the importance of giving our community opportunities to achieve Board Co Presidents Jane Providenti and Yamira Siu shared their personal stories of how GiGi s NYC has impacted their lives and the lives of their sons Troy and Malik It was also inspiring to hear from the co founders of GiGi s NYC Tracy Nixon and Debbie Morris about their vision and the growth of our community over the past nine years They welcomed and congratulated Danielle Cumberbatch as GiGi s NYC 2021 Ambassador The incredibly talented Lourds Lane along with Brie Cassil and Jessie Wagner put on amazing performances of We Are Awake and Stronger Now from the Broadway bound show SuperYou Auctioneer LJ Ganser kept the audience bidding cheerily with his usual good humor During the video GiGi s NYC participant Laura Lyle brought down the house when she got up to sing and dance in front of the onscreen video and encouraged community members to do the same Before long the stage was filled by people with Down syndrome singing This is Me to a roaring crowd The singers inspired the in person and virtual audiences with their unbridled enthusiasm and confidence The guests all stood and sang while capturing the moment with cell phone cameras The unity and inspiration shared by everyone in that room was spellbinding There wasn t a dry eye in the house Thank you to everyone who supported us Your involvement and generosity are critical to GiGi s NYC mission and make it possible for us to provide lifechanging programs at no cost to those who need them most Sincerely The surprise highlight of the evening was when GiGi s NYC Community Chorus video played This is Me from The Greatest Showman conducted by Broadway s Laurie Gamache Patricia Donini GiGi s NYC Gala Co Chair 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 20 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Frank Sawyer GiGi s NYC Gala Co Chair Page 21
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW My daughter Aliyah has found friendship and trust and adventure in one place amongst her friends Always welcome able to be involved in many activities and feel a part of To sum up GiGi s in two words A blessing 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 22 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Page 23
OUR DONORS SUPPORTERS OUR DONORS SUPPORTERS 25 000 2 500 Benno Ansbacher Andrew Debbie Morris Tracy Nixon Benevity Daniela Berger Pollack Mark Pollack Jay Eisenhofer Anne Jameson Carol Falcinelli Howard Gilman Foundation Joyce Gottbetter Gradient Services Adam Hait Sarah Fairchild David Kotler Morgan Stanley Network for Good Amy Romero Frank Sawyer Krystina Spadea Janice Tyson 10 000 Climatec Ruth Erickson Paul Goularte Ron Lisa Fenech Foundation Sara Gall IREM Greater New York Chapter Mary McMahon The Wasily Family Foundation 5 000 Jonathan Rosemary Ansbacher Comdata Microsoft Otto Herrmann RenaissanceRe US RSM US LLP Soci t G n rale Stavros Niarchos Foundation Michael Torres Verisk Analytics ISO 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC 1 000 David Warren Adcock Ellen Bernard Claire Bienen Allegra Adriana Bonomi Friends Amanda Cook Michael Cumberbatch Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation Laura Fahsbender Amanda Frantz Alan Gallo Ellen Graper Page 24 Mary Haverhals Stuart Gretchen Hayes Samuel Herzfeld Margaret Julian Suzanne Lopez Melot Michael Lorch Marsh McLennan National Philanthropic Trust New York Life Insurance Company Marya Propis Jane Providenti Purnick Household Rohs Household Elizabeth Scheel Steven Segretta Mark Sheehan The Trautschold Family Foundation Inc Carin Whitaker The Yang Family Charitable Fund Buddy Holly Young Your Cause LLC Trustee Marathon Petroleum Company 500 Ava Berlin Whit Bernard BlackRock Inc Greg Blue Robert Blumofe Stacy Calcano 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Cindy Chau Patricia Donini Shane Doyle Aimee Arne Fareth Fidelity Charitable John Finelli Helene Fisher Horowitz Tracy Guy Genora Bennett Johnson Anna Lisica David Luttinger Elizabeth Mandel Corey Metz Laura Moore Brown Paul Brown Khadija Mustafa Pfizer Karen Puritano Linda Rizk Kevin Rooney Anna Schneur Siu Jabbaar Family Skyline Automation Colin Still Derek Still Jill Wilcox Still Marilyn Sugarman Jean Richard Sullivan Liza Tichenor Galler Family Katie Werbowski Chris Wragge Julia Yang Page 25
LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDERS Jane Providenti Liza Galler Debbie Morris Tracy Nixon Yamira Siu David Kotler ASSOCIATE BOARD Board Co President Vice President at Deutsche Bank Board Co President Vice President at Deutsche Bank Joyce Gottbetter Board Vice President General Manager at Microsoft Mary Haverhals Board Treasurer Finance at Marsh McLennan LLC Ruth Erickson Board Secretary Retired Managing Director at Marsh LLC Daniela Berger Pollack Member of Finance Committee Chief Financial Officer at College Board Michael Brown Member Project Coordinator at Marsh Margret Ditolla Board Co President Vice President at Deutsche Bank Carol Falcinelli Member of Governance Committee GC CCO and Head of Operations at Atlantic Global Risk LLC 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Board Program Advisor Disability Art Educational Justice Advocate Chair of Governance Committee Partner with Dechert LLP Mallory Humphries Associate Board Co President Software Engineer at Avanade Gary McCann Member of Finance Committee Associate Director with the Asset Management Group Oppenheimer Griffin Rohs Associate Board Co President Insurer Consulting Leader at Marsh USA Matt Otte Member Assistant General Counsel Vice President Bank of America Merrill Lynch Heather Berstein Amy Romero Jozelle Cox Co Chair of Marketing Communications Committee Chief Marketing Officer at Jugo Member Marketing Director at Audible Inc Member Senior Analyst at Kroll Bond Rating Agency David Lamis Member Associate Research and DevelopmentRenewable Energy at ACT Commodities David Mannes Member Special Education Coordinator at Uncommon Schools Kimberly Osorio Frank Sawyer Cecilia Deruelle Member Corporate Paralegal at Chanel Member Senior Occupational Therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Krystina Spadea Kyle Galin Isaac Shapot Taylor Johnson Puja Thomas Gala Co Chair Founder and Principal at TeleGraphic Media Co Chair of Marketing Communications Committee Chief of Staff at Pfizer Michael Torres Chair of Development Committee Director of Business Planning and Strategy Internal Audit American Express Page 26 Member Associate at Handler Real Estate Organization Member Associate Private Wealth Management at Alliance Bernstein 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Member Demand Gen Lead at Opkey Member Tax Senior Associate Development Exempt Organizations at KPMG LLP Page 27
STAFF VOLUNTEERS STAFF VOLUNTEERS STAFF Rosella Lofaro Operations Manager VOLUNTEERS Lateefah Abdul Jabbaar Alaina Acchione Sara Acosta Villarreal Nanzeeba Ahmad Christiana Akiki Talia Albukrek Dane Antoine Esther Arden Amirtha Arun Ashley Asti Victoria Atkinson Elizabeth Atlas Devon Audie Diane Austria Swathi Balaji Sara Bergmann John Bernstein Nina Blue Alexine Bonnemazou Allegra Bonomi Maeve Brennan Abigail Calumpit John Canyon Kyle Rebecca Carton Dorey Casey Icema Castle 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Cindy Chang Lina Chokrane Irene Constantinidis Caroline Costigan Sally Courtois Lindsey Coyle Ella Cromwell Maeve D Arcy Daniella DiMatteo Alexa Dolmaian Evelyn Donahue Greg Drozdek Clare Duggan Zainab Elrowmeim Mia Eng Kohn Evangelia Eracleous Katie Erikson Morgan Everitt Kathleen Feeley Anna Feldberg Gil Fire Kathleen Flores Chris Freimuth Isa Frias Adriana Galindo Laurie Gamache Divya Gandala Aurora Gatch Megan Geer Nicolette Giammona Romilly Giles Michelle Gordon Deanna Goudelias Stephanie Gregory Carol Guachichulca Natalie Guerrisi Rhia Gupta Meredith Hackman Julia Hammerman Avelyn Hang Cooper Hartog Jamie Herold Angela Hilario Sofia Horan Isabella Hottenrott Payton Huson Marian Isdahl Julie Jackson Jimmy Jensen Ashley Jeong Emily Kang Inci Kayalar Bonnie Keilty Tina Kim Andy Kleiman Aaron Koch Marlene Konner Claire Kuhn Hannah Kunze Jennifer Kursman Leila Kutana Alicia Lanzieri Serena Law Dani Lefkowitz Jennifer LeMay Courtney Leonard Zo Lester Claudia Liu Ericha Lutter Caren Coco MacAllister Dora Magallanes Tola Makinde Megan Malherb Shiitake Mama Vailbav Mangipudy Amanda Maniscalco Izzy Marcotullio Alexandra Martinez Johnathan Martir Adriana Matiz Liv McAllister Nevins Dodi Meyer Jackie Mezzacappa Seb Miller Ashley Misciagna Emma Mizrahi Powell Francesca Monaco Jennifer Monico Latricia Morgan Alicia Morrison Fagbemi Cora Neudeck Bobby Nijjar Brynne Norquist Page 28 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC Katherine Nowonty Maggie O Connor Karina Ortiz Sheela Pai Mei Parkin Dhurvi Patel Saarang Patel Lyla Perez Maitane Pineda Francesca Piras Hannah Providenti Avital Rabinovitch Jane Rainone Cordelia Ramsey Maya Rawal Sandra Recinos Zedrick Recinos Caroline Rose Kyle Rosenthal Cindy Ruan Theresa Rush Jen Ryan Jennifer Ryan Kaye Rysdahl Santiago Sanchez Christina Sanders Seema Sawh Eshaa Selvam Jessica Semmel Mansha Sharma Alyssa Sherman Livia Shneider Phoebe Shoap Abigail Smith Elizabeth Smith Justina Sparling Paige Springmann Lila Sternoff Colin Still Derek Still Olivia Tarabocchia Kim Tateo Sarah Tintle Jigme Tobygal Marilena Vasilatos Alessandra Vennema Sophia Verret Destiny Vicente Crystal Villanueva Andres Villarreal Taylor von Kriegenbergh Elizabeth Walker Brianna Washington Cara Waterson Yulia White Blair Wilder Kathryn Williamson Hayden Wilson Tamika Wong Gabby Wright Samson Yuan Madison Yuran Page 29
COMMUNITY PARTNERS TAKE ACTION Anonymous SHARE ACTIVATE Market and publicize GiGi s NYC on your corporate websites and social media pages Like and share our posts Join the conversation Mobilize your networks for good Ben Nemzer Best Buddies New York Brittany s Baskets of Hope Donate broadcast and digital advertising to help GiGi s NYC reach more families and establish additional satellite programs Columbia University Connor s Canine Cookies Donate2Dance Hunter College City University of New York John s Crazy Socks Marymount School of New York Merlin s Magic Wand Join GiGi s NYC in recruiting our elected officials to commit and persuade your leaders to do the right thing for the Down syndrome community by joining the Congressional Task Force on Down syndrome Call meet inform Support us with every Amazon purchase you make by shopping through smile amazon com and select GiGi s Playhouse NYC Amazon will donate 0 5 of your purchase price to GiGi s NYC Moyinoluwa Rainbow Foundation Mushrooms for Wellbeing Foundation GIGIPHNYC facebook com gigisplayhousenyc instagram com nycgigisplayhouse youtube com gigisplayhousenyc ENGAGE Host a private donor cultivation event New York Cares Choose GiGi s NYC as the primary beneficiary of your employee giving matching gift and volunteer match campaigns New York Junior League Include GiGi s NYC in your estate planning New York Botanical Garden New York University Steinhardt Department of Communicative Sciences Disorders Painting Lounge Harlem Studio Donate in kind goods and services Although our programs and events are provided at no cost to our community GiGi s NYC must maintain them by stocking everyday supplies in our Playhouse Positive Exposure Ryan Imparato Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy Sarah Lawrence Check out our wish list here https gigisplayhouse org newyork wish list Contact us at nyc gigisplayhouse org The Imagine Society The T21 Project 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC IN KIND DONATIONS Page 30 2021 Annual Report GiGi s NYC ENGAGE Become a sponsor of GiGi s NYC programs and events Create an endowment or donor advised fund to provide sustainable support for GiGi s NYC families and programs Page 31
GIGI S NYC GIGI S possibilitiesare areendless endless Where the possibilites NYCGIGISPLAYHOUSE 106 W 117th Street New York NY 10026 G II G G II S SP P LL A AY YH HO OU US SE E O OR RG G N NE EW WY YO OR RK K G G I G I S P L A Y H O U S E N Y C NY YC C G G II G G II S SP P LL A AY YH HO OU US SE E O OR RG G N 6 64 46 6 8 80 0 11 77 5 52 29 9