APRIL 21
2016
educate. inspire. believe.
GiGi’s Playhouse New York City is... A COMMUNITY CENTER where families gather to attend programs, lectures and events that promote the self-esteem and selfadvocacy of families touched by Down syndrome.
AN EDUCATION CENTER where weekly educational programs prepare individuals with Down syndrome to contribute more fully in their homes, communities and schools.
AN AWARENESS CENTER dedicated to improving New York’s perspective of Down syndrome, so that our community can meaningfully contribute to mainstream society.
WELCOME GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is changing the way New York City perceives what individuals with Down syndrome can accomplish! Welcome to what has become a marvelous tradition at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC: the annual “i have a voice” Gala. As you peruse the pages of this program book, please take a few moments to read about our special guests and our very first ambassador. It is connections and stories such as these that speak to the common thread we share and applaud in the Down syndrome community. We are able to facilitate dreams because of the generosity of you, the many sponsors of tonight’s event, our partnerships, friends and families who support GiGi’s Playhouse NYC. We are a gathering place for families and individuals touched by Down syndrome. The most important thing we do is promote connections – between individuals, families, educators, and the wider community. We are the first call for families who receive prenatal or newborn diagnoses and offer support, friendship and community through every stage of life. For many families, GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is a lifeline and an essential resource throughout their child’s life and into adulthood. Our dream is for all of New York City to buzz with positivity about our vibrant community, proudly based in Harlem since 2012! The continued success of GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is linked to increasing our funding so we can continue to expand our programs and reach to accommodate our growing membership. With your support, I am confident we will achieve these worthy goals.
Saudia Ally
Thank you all for being a part of our dream and making the 2016 “i have a voice” Or Gala a success.
Saudia Ally
Saudia Ally Gala Chair On Behalf of the Board of Managers & Gala Committee
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WELCOME FROM
SENATOR GILLIBRAND
April 21, 2016 Dear Friends, It is a privilege to send greetings to everyone attending GiGi’s Playhouse’s Fourth Annual International Gala. Congratulations on another successful year. As a community center dedicated to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, GiGi’s Playhouse has a significant impact on the lives of numerous New Yorkers. The combination of education and awareness encourages those with Down syndrome to participate more fully in their communities and ensures that their contributions to this city are valued. By serving New Yorkers from all boroughs, GiGi’s Playhouse is a truly invaluable resource, and I am grateful from their continued commitment to community engagement. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful event and many more years of continued success. Sincerely,
Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senator
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WELCOME FROM
MAYOR DE BLASIO
April 21, 2016 Dear Friends: It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to GiGi’s Playhouse NYC’s 4th Annual “I Have a Voice” Gala. All New Yorkers deserve a chance at a bright future, and my administration is working to ensure that people across the five boroughs have access to opportunities that will help them reach their goals and fullest potential. GiGi’s Playhouse has been a valuable ally in these efforts by supporting individuals with Down syndrome and connecting their families to resources that will better their lives. With a variety of educational and therapy programs, counseling services, life skills and career training, special events, and recreational activities that promote health and wellness, GiGi’s Playhouses in our city and beyond are building solid foundations for children and young people to achieve their dreams while making a positive difference in the lives of many. I am delighted to recognize the care and compassion that the Playhouse’s dedicated staff, supporters, and volunteers have shown, and I applaud all those gathered for their commitment to a brighter future for the next generation. On behalf of the City of New York, I offer my best wishes for a wonderful gala and continued success. Sincerely,
Bill de Blasio Mayor
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We are proud to support GiGi’s Playhouse and the “i have a Voice” Gala.
Eric & Becky Fogarty Proud supporters of GiGi’s Playhouse NYC
COMMITTEE & BOARD MEMBERS GALA CHAIR Saudia Ally Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Marvel US Management and Heart A Cause
GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS Nina Gonzalez Sisson Site Coordinator Benny Kaufman Programs Director Adam Hait Entrepreneur and Innovator
BOARD MEMBERS Debbie Morris (President) Senior Vice President at AIG Jane Providenti (Vice President) Director within the Global Finance Organization at Deutsche Bank Sharon Hart-Fanelli (Secretary) CPM, General Manager for Cushman & Wakefield, Corporate Occupier & Investment Services
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Jon Connolly (Treasurer) Managing Director and Senior Counsel within the Legal Department at BNY Mellon
Rebecca Purnick Vice President within the Finance Organization at Credit Suisse Frank Sawyer Co-Founder and Principal at TelegraphicMedia
Saudia Ally Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Marvel US Management and Heart A Cause
STAFF MEMBERS
Laura Blau attorney in private practice in New York City
Benny Kaufman Programs Director
Ryan Brown Wealth Director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management
Nina Gonzalez Sisson Site Coordinator
PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Eric Fogarty Vice President in the Investment Management Division of Goldman Sachs & Co.
Hilda Chusid
Liza Galler Director of Job Placement and Development for the Center for Special Needs at the Jewish Community Center (JCC Manhattan)
Julia Harquil
Adam Hait Entrepreneur and Innovator Gretchen Hayes Managing Director of Guy Carpenter
Kathleen Feeley Tobie Franklin Liza Galler Bonnie Keilty Jordana Mendelson Tracy Nixon Kristen O’Brien Emily Perl-Kingsley Jane Providenti Cary Williams
THANK YOU FROM THE BOARD As GiGi’s Playhouse NYC begins its fifth year serving New York City, we are proud and grateful for what we have accomplished with the support of families and friends, donors, and the wider community. Your involvement makes a difference in the lives of hundreds of families. This past year GiGi’s Playhouse NYC has experienced dramatic growth and it is an honor and a privilege to serve the Down syndrome community. GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is a success because of everyone’s efforts. Thank you for your generous support, we couldn’t do it without YOU! A special thanks to those who have made this year and our “i have a voice” Gala a success: Invest for children
Marvel US Management
Extreme Kids & Crew
Founders Circle Members
LuMind
Kirsten DeBear, MSEd, OTR
Fresh Oil Ministries
Dr. David Gudis
JCC Manhattan
Marilyn Rubinstein
2econd Stage Theatre
Lisa Barzotto, MS, BCBA
Museum of American Finance
Karen Samet
Taft Foundation
Sarah Lee, LCSW
Talbots
Chris Wragge
The Wayfarer
DJ Yoshi
H&R Block
N’Kenge
Gesture
K’Lynn Jackman
MME Ink
David Weingarten
Alice Lewis Design
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GALA SPONSORS PLATINUM
Eric & Becky Fogarty GOLD
Tracy Nixon Morris Family Adam Hait Gretchen Hayes Platinum Maintenance Otto Herrmann AIG Richards, Kibbe & Orbe LLP Wilmer Hale Jon Connolly & Rachel Adams SILVER
Henegan Construction BRONZE
Marsh & McLennan Companies Providenti Family FRIENDS & FAMILY
Joseph Neto & Associates
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SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT Thank you to the generous organizations and individuals who have contributed to our silent and live auctions. Debbie Morris
Soul Cycle
Tracy Nixon
David Chung
David Sheeger
Andrew Morris
Physique 57
Kenjiro Cut/David Color, Eiji Salon
Jennifer Bickerton Jonathan Ansbacher Feld Entertainment Inc Ta-Lia Davis Andrew Walsh Gretchen Hayes Ranjini Pillay Richard Kelley
Pablo Lopez, W New York Paul R. Dolan, ABC News Marvel US Management Charity Grow Adam Hait Sarah Fairchild New Victory Theater Row House
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Your Creative Partner
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877.885.0705 Your Creative Partner www.mmeink.com
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GiGi’s Playhouse
GiGi’s Playhouse Your Creative Partner www.mmeink.com
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hospitality engagement meetings & events
EVENING PROGRAM 6:30 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION Music provided by DJ Yoshi, Rutgers Football & Basketball, NJ Devils Hockey Performance by N’Kenge of Motown: The Musical Silent Auction
8:00 PM Welcome Chris Wragge, Master of Ceremonies, CBS News DINNER Performance by K’Lynn Jackman of The Lion King Keynote Speech David Weingarten, Vice Chairman, Let All The Children Play Foundation (LATCP) “Grow With Us” Video Presentation Honoree Recognition Safia Al-Rawi, First GiGi’s Playhouse NYC Ambassador Paddle Raise & Live Auction Josh Blau, Auctioneer Thank You Debbie Morris, Board President, Senior Vice President at AIG Saudia Ally, Gala Chair, Co-Founder, CMO, Marvel US Management, Heart A Cause Nina Gonzalez Sisson, Gala Committee Member, Site Coordinator Benjamin Kaufman, Gala Committee Member, Programs Director Adam Hait, Gala Committee Member, Entrepreneur and Innovator ROAMING DESSERT DANCING Music provided by DJ Yoshi, Rutgers Football & Basketball, NJ Devils Hockey
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MASTER OF CEREMONIES
CHRIS WRAGGE
Chris Wragge co-anchors CBS 2 News This Morning and CBS 2 News At Noon with Mary Calvi. He rejoined the station in September 2011 after serving as co-anchor of CBS News’ “The Early Show.” Previously, Wragge served as co-anchor of the station’s weeknight 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts, co-anchor of the Saturday edition of “The Early Show” and as a frequent substitute co-anchor of the weekday edition of “The Early Show.” Wragge first joined WCBS-TV in 2004 as the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. sports anchor. In November 2006, he made the transition to news anchor and reported on major events such as the 2008 presidential election, the “Miracle on the Hudson” landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to New York and the Brooklyn tornado. Wragge also covered the scandal that led to the resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer, the East Side crane collapse, the national recession and the rebuilding of the World Trade Center.
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Wragge is the recipient of 18 Emmys, including three wins in the Best News Anchor category. In addition, he and his CBS News colleagues won an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for “CBS Reports: Children of the Recession.” Prior to joining CBS, Wragge worked for NBC Sports. His assignments included covering the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, four years as sideline reporter for NBA game broadcasts and two years covering the WNBA. He also covered the PGA Tour for five years, Notre Dame Football, and the PBR. Additionally, he anchored NBC’s Sportsdesk reports from 2002-04. Previously, Wragge spent four years as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. Wragge’s broadcasting career also includes positions with KPRC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas, WVIT-TV in Hartford, Connecticut and WMUR-TV in Manchester, New Hampshire. He also has been a host for HGTV, DIY and the Travel Channel. twitter.com/chriswragge facebook.com/chris.wragge
PERFORMER
DJ YOSHI Since 1996, DJ Yoshi has traveled the globe playing at some of the most exclusive venues and events. His awardwinning live show: “DJ Yoshi Experience” fuses elements of hip hop, electro, dance, reggae, rock, freestyle, funk & pop creating an incredible “Open Format” set. Heavily involved in the worlds of fashion & television, DJ Yoshi has spun at events for high-end brands like Ferrari and Hublot; celebrities, P. Diddy, Mariah Carey, Frank Sinatra Jr., Mary J. Blige, The B-52’s; and, even being the hype man or emcee for artists such as Gavin DeGraw, DJ Khaled, Austin Mahone and Rob Base. Yoshi’s technical skill, creative style and high-energy sets have placed him as a headliner at some of the most exclusive venues around the globe from New York’s Pacha, Highline and PH-D to Las Vegas’ Tryst and Drai to Toronto, Barbados and the United Kingdom. In 2011, DJ Yoshi became an Official Monster Cable DJ when he joined the team of “Monster DJs”, a group that consists of some of the most influential DJs in the world. In addition to joining this prestigious team, DJ Yoshi is a Brand Ambassador and the Official DJ for Armadale Vodka.
He was a feature DJ for MTV’s VMA Popup Tour which celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Video Music Awards in 2013 and continued making history in 2014, as the first In-Game DJ at an Athletic Conference’s Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Big Ten Football Championship Weekend, spinning for 66,000 fans. DJ Yoshi currently serves as the Official DJ of Rutgers Football and Rutgers Basketball and spins for the iconic brand, Under Armour. He has previously worked with the NJ Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), Harlem Wizards, NY Jets and was recently featured by Erin Andrews on Emmy-AwardWinning, Sportscenter. His philanthropic activities include working with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Fight For Children and Heart A Cause among others, where he advocates community partnership, education and research. Whether a crowd of 300 or a packed stadium of 85,000 people, DJ Yoshi’s showmanship, musical versatility and contagious energy motivates the masses into enjoying an unforgettable experience. www.djyoshi.com
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PERFORMER
N’KENGE “N’Kenge’s an artist who’s destined to make a serious impact on several musical fronts. From operatic to spiritual, from pop to musical theater, from jazz to blues; tender or intense, N’Kenge’s performances are consistent in her technical excellence. Her musical repertoire covers 11 languages and her power and control are uncanny.” — Joe Berger LBTV Music NY Post called N’Kenge “Electrifying” in the role of Mary Wells that she originated in Broadway’s Smash Hit Motown: The Musical. Berry Gordy describes N’Kenge as “the most versatile artist I know.” N’Kenge made her Broadway debut in Sondheim on Sondheim singing alongside Vanessa Williams, Barbara Cook, Tom Wopat and Norm Lewis. N’Kenge was seen in 2015 as a presenter at the 58th Annual NY Emmy Awards. She had the honor to sing at the White House for President Bill Clinton and for the Commander-in-Chief Ball for President Obama. She starred in London’s West End at the Theatre Royal in a tribute to the late great Ray Charles, and has done solo engagements in New York at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as the Library of Congress in Washington, DC in which it was broadcast worldwide by NPR. This energetic, well-rounded singer was recently nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of the
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leading roles in both the Elton John/Tim Rice Musical “Aida” and in Marion Caffey’s “3 Mo Divas” by the Helen Hayes Awards and the Arizoni Theater Awards. N’Kenge starred in the Michael Jackson Tribute Show World Tour and is consistently seen as a soloist in pop programs with Pop Maestro Jack Everly with the Indianapolis Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra among others around the globe. N’Kenge is currently working on a new album. Not new to the recording experience; she released her first solo album “Red Souvenir” while still completing her graduate studies at The Juilliard School. She now has the opportunity to share her music once again with this move and expand her brand to the masses. In anticipation of her album, Burt Bacharach says “N’Kenge is an Amazing Talent that needs to be heard.” Excited about being a writer and co-producer on this upcoming album, she is also a producer and is already cast as Queen Ti in the highly anticipated Broadway Bound Show Akhenaten: The Musical. For more details on N’Kenge 2015-2016 tour season and recordings, visit her at www.nkengemusic.com
PERFORMER
K’LYNN JACKMAN Ten-years-old K’Lynn Jackman, the only girl among her Orange, NJ, family of six, is already capturing the imaginations—and hearts—of all who see this talented young lady perform. As a truly gifted singer and actress, K’Lynn has established herself as a rising star to watch, with acclaimed appearances at such notable venues as the United Nations’ Champions Of Change Award Ceremony, Madison Square Garden, Newark, NJ Bear Stadium, multiple New York City Hall engagements, Brooklyn Nets games, the Apollo Theater, and GiGi’s Playhouse NYC, among many other prominent arenas, theaters, and political locations. On stage, she’s thrilled theatergoers playing the role of young Nala in Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical, The Lion King, and several other NYCarea plays and musicals. In addition to appearing at the late Whitney Houston’s first annual Tribute Celebration, K’Lynn has also opened up for the top names
in the gospel and R&B genres, such as Aretha Franklin, Bishop TD Jakes, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Cee Cee Houston, Smokie Norful, and John P. Kee and more at the McDonald’s Gospel Fest. Films on Bravo TV and commercials have also featured this emerging young talent, whose screen presence wins people over every day. Seen by many as a child prodigy, K’Lynn moves forward with “big dreams, a strong faith, and a one-of-a-kind academic record”, emphasizing her dedication to education, even amidst the bright lights of stardom. With hard work, determination, family, and God, K’Lynn believes all things are possible, with the sky the only limit on her future. “Nothing is impossible,” K’Lynn says, “if you start with a dream and live it.” You can follow K’Lynn on Twitter, Instagram, Vine, and YouTube as @klynnsource, and via Facebook at www.facebook.com/klynnsource.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DAVID WEINGARTEN David Weingarten is the Vice Chairman of Let All The Children Play Foundation (LATCP) and brings years of expertise to grassroots initiatives on Long Island for individuals with disabilities and their families. For the past 31 years, since his son Adam was born with Down syndrome, David has advocated for the inclusion of his son and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities into communities. Initially thought to be a simple introduction, David met those responsible for researching, developing and designing Israel’s first accessible playground, which opened in Ra’anana in 2005. Inspired, David helped to establish LATCP as a 501(c)(3) in 2006 and started to collaborate with government officials, organizations, civic groups and parents in establishing a mission to create a similar playground in Nassau County. In May 2012, the Nassau County community celebrated the opening of the LATCP 2-acre, $1.5million universally accessible playground/ park in Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park. Prior to the creation of LATCP, David provided the much needed service for families daunted by the enormous task of Special Needs Estate Planning. His holistic approach to financial planning provided security for families while also leading workshops/ seminars for organizations, professional associations and parent groups. David holds a B.S.B.A from Denver University, and enjoyed a 20-plus year management and sales career in New York City’s garment
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industry and with his varied years of experience David wanted to give back. He spent 10 years representing and advocating for young individuals with disabilities as the Co-Chair of the Long Island Family Support Consumer Council, in conjunction with the LIDDSO (OPWDD). He served as parent advocate for the Nassau County DOH Developmental Disabilities Committee and was a past president of the Association for Children with Down Syndrome; a former chair (and board member) for the LI Multiple Sclerosis Golf Classic; and a certified Special Olympics coach and developer of informational resources. David currently works for the JCC of the Greater Five Towns (Marion & Aaron Gural JCC) as the Director of Special Needs/Projects and provides leadership with employment initiative for those with disabilities, is a grant writer and program director for socialization programs for teens and adults with disabilities. He created an inclusive golf program at a local golf facility that provides socialization opportunities for its participants and sensitivity training for volunteers and the local community at large. David resides in Atlantic Beach with his wife Renee and two dogs. His son, Adam, lives in a group residence on Long Island and attends a daily day program. His daughter, Leah, graduated Indiana University, works and lives in New York City. He leisurely enjoys golf, beach volleyball/wallyball and reading. www.latcp.org
HONOREE
SAFIA AL-RAWI Safia Al-Rawi will be honored as our first GiGi’s Playhouse NYC Ambassador. Safia attends the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at Kingsborough Community College, and as part of the community service portion of her program she has been volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC since July 2015 (an average of 4 hours per week). The inspiration Safia provides to the playhouse families is awesome. Each Saturday morning, Safia assists with our Music and Sign, Hop Skip & Jump, and Literacy programs— partnering with young children to lead them through the activities, reading stories, and creating new materials for our literacy group. Safia also assists with and participates in our Gratitude Committee art program for adults. Safia manages her own schedule, travels by herself, and gives back to her community. Through her, our parents see what is possible for their children.
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Laura Lyle wants to say a great big
Thank You to the staff and all the volunteers for making GiGi’s Playhouse Pals so much fun!
PROUD TO SUPPORT GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE
WWW.PLATINUMMAINTENANCE.COM
The Morris Family is pleased to support GiGi’s Playhouse and is very proud of their daughter Sophia!
Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP is proud to support
GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE and the wonderful work they do for the Down Syndrome community.
New York
Washington
London
WWW.RKOLLP.COM
PROGRAM LEADERS, VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS Thank you to this incredible team who grows with us! PROGRAM LEADERS
Jernora Gross
David Chung
Kimberly Hall
Andy Kleiman Martyna Okuniewska Emma Schaeffer David Sheeger Emily Thomas Hayden Wilson
VOLUNTEERS Kerri Aidikoff Safia Al-Rawi Camille Amezcua Elizabeth Atlas Kenan Bardt David Beal Kirsten Bowen D’Andra Brown Olga Bykanova Katherine Cardy Sarah Carter Lauren Costabile Emily Darby Eunice Daudu Madeline Day Smith Renata Demichelis Cindy Gaynor Veronica Glen
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Noa Hankin Bridget Heddens Brandt Hersh Jeremy Hersh Victoria Hinojosa Ethan Jones Julia Klele Verónica Labarca Srinivas Lakhanigam Swabarene Matan Darius Mayfield Shamiah Mayfield Tatiana Rendon Emma Schaeffer Elizabeth Scheel Jenniffalisa Scigliano Mona Tauseef Renee Tidaback Marilena Vasilatos Beth Wrubleski
INTERNS Graciela Lema Tatiana Rendon Ana Skrypczuk
Congratulations
to GiGi’s Playhouse NYC on another year of inspiring work and progress in the Down syndrome community! Thank you for continuing to inspire, believe and educate individuals with Down syndrome and the family and friends who love them. — Gretchen Hayes
Every community deserves the best chance for success WilmerHale is proud to support the GiGi’s Playhouse 2016 “i have a voice” International Gala. We applaud GiGi’s Playhouse for its efforts to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential.
wilmerhale.com
© 2016 Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr llp
GROWING FAMILIES The Foundation for Embryonic Competence (FEC) is the world’s preeminent center for the advancement of in vitro fertilization (IVF) diagnostics, research, and education. The FEC offers exclusive embryonic tests to aid in the selection of viable embryos prior to implantation in IVF, helping to build families one healthy baby at a time. FECLABS.ORG Contact us at 908-580-1201 or CONTACT@FECLABS.ORG
Otto Herrmann is proud to support Emily Fanelli and GiGi’s Playhouse NYC
With love for mom for all you do for GiGi’s Playhouse! Love, The Providentis
Jose eph Neto o & Asssociatess A LE ERCH BA ATES COM MPANY VERTICAL TRAN NSPORTATION CON NSULTANTS New N Constructio on • Modernizatiion • Design Layyouts • Project M Management Specifications • Maintenance e Evaluations • T Third Party Wittnessing e Diligence • Tra affic Analysis • Ex Due xpert Witness 1430 Broadway B • Suite 90 08 • New York, NY Y 10018
212--596-4690
www w.josephneto.com
CONTINUE TO GROW WITH US
COMING JUNE 2016 Sponsor a dancer or start a fundraising team Visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/newyork for more details
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Salutes GiGi’s Playhouse NYC
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GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is the only community and education center specifically designed to celebrate and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families in New York City. Playhouse participants represent every ethnic, cultural, social, economic and religious demographic in this major metropolitan center. Families find their way to GiGi’s Playhouse NYC from every borough and county to receive support, friendship, insight and education. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and inspiring foundation to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
educate. inspire. believe. 106 W 117th Street, New York, NY 10026 • 646-801-7529 • nyc@gigisplayhouse.org /@GiGiPHNYC
/gigisplayhouseNYC