Gigi's Playhouse is an organization that is very unique as it changes lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families and the community. The mission of this organization is to change the way the world views Down Syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. In addition, the vision of the organization is to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their communities.
Throughout high school, I would volunteer at an elementary school helping students who had difficulty learning in a classroom setting. I knew in college that I wanted to help better the lives of children with disabilities or children who are underprivileged. This stemmed from a core value that has been implemented in me since childhood, under the belief that it is our responsibility to help those who are more disadvantaged than us, whether it be through volunteering or funding. In freshman year, I started volunteering for a club on campus known as SUNY Kids and this year, I started an internship with Gigi's Playhouse in order to improve the literacy of individuals with Down Syndrome. Individuals with Down Syndrome face hypotonia, cognitive delays, and limited opportunities. These disadvantages govern their life as they are essential for every aspect of everyday life. Hypotonia prohibits the children from excelling from a physical standpoint due to the presence of lethargy and lack of control of motor skills. Cognitive delays prohibit the children from engaging in school activities with their peers as it is much more difficult for them to comprehend and apply what they have learned. Finally, due to these two symptoms, their opportunities for the future are strongly limited. Without a proper education and health, the children will not be strong candidates in the workforce, which leads to adverse circumstances.
This organization hopes to help mediate these symptoms to help their self esteem and set them on a great direction for successful future. This organization needs support because people with Down Syndrome deserve and need programs that appeal to their symptoms in order to lead a life free of hardship. These programs need funding in order to be free for families and the individual. In addition, this money will directly affect the playhouse located in Vestal and we will be able to see the outcomes of this donation directly, which I feel is an important aspect as with other charities, you may not necessarily see how your money will benefit society directly. In addition, the playhouses need supplies in order to appeal to the multisensory approach to learning required of these individuals. For example, in terms of improving their limited opportunities, the playhouses need computers to allow the individuals with Down Syndrome to be computer literate, which is an essential trait that workplaces look for. I hope that this charity is under your consideration as this funding could help drastically change the lives of people with Down Syndrome not only in the near future, but for a prolonged period of time due to the creation of more effective programs.
Arpeet Patel
I really liked your pitch and how Gigi's Playhouse is a local organization. Although there are many people affected by Down Syndrome, it's not accepted and made fun of. There definitely should be more awareness and programs for the affected individuals and families. One thing that helped me understand Down Syndrome more is the book "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. It's about a 15 year old boy and his trouble connecting with humans. Haddon made me see through a different lens and how different people process thoughts. This charity seems especially important since Down Syndrome is costly and usually a huge financial burden on families. I think it's inspiring that you volunteer and intern with them. Please keep us updated with future opportunities to help them.
ReplyDeleteThis was a heartwarming read. Thanks for sharing your connection to the organization it made me feel connected as well. I couldn't help but think while reading this, about the 90% of parents in the UK who abort their fetus after being informed by a doctor that the child will be born with Down Syndrome. (https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37500189)
ReplyDeleteI do not want to pass judgement on those parents, but I can't help but feel maybe they need to be exposed to an organization like Gigi's Playhouse or hear from activists with Down Syndrome like Frank. (https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/10/31/frank_stephens_i_am_a_man_with_down_syndrome_and_my_life_is_worth_living.html)
I thought this charity pitch was interesting because of how well you covered the concerns that I had. You spoke about how the money directly funds the many programs in place to aid people with Down syndrome and how it would help them in the long run. You have personally seen the effect this organization has on people with Down syndrome and I feel that is a little comforting in terms of trusting the organization. The thing that hooked me is the short and long-term help that Gigi’s Playhouse gives to people with Down syndrome regardless of age. Programs such as physical exercise programs and long-term such as teaching them skills that will come in handy in the workplace. This charity is great because while it is great to see change impact the people in this community, it empowers those who feel they are forgotten in society due to their disability. Your passion and love for Gigi's Playhouse shows as one can tell how much care and effort you've put in, I can empathize with that. I think it is important for people to feel comfortable in their skin and organizations like this do a great job accomplishing that.
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ReplyDeleteThis was a great charity pitch, Arpeet. There were definitely a few specific reasons as to why I felt that this was a good organization. First off, through both reading the charity pitch and seeing the presentation, I could see how passionate you were about Gigi‘s Playhouse. This translated well to me. I also looked upon previous personal experiences I’ve had with tutoring/mentoring kids as well. Through high school, I would tutor students who were struggling, and seeing them progress and enjoy the process is definitely something that was great to see. Although these students weren’t dealing with Down Syndrome like those through Gigi’s are, it was still very gratifying to see them grow. I can’t even imagine how much Gigi‘s Playhouse means to its participants, members, and families. Also, another reason I felt that this was a good organization to get behind was the transparency in regards to the donations. This can be seen when you described how all the money will go directly to Vestal location and we will be able to see the benefits. I think this is super important for any organization, and is just another reason as to why I liked this charity pitch and believe that this is a good organization to support.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your experience Arpeet. Unfortunately, I was sick the day you presented but I'm glad I got to read this and talk to you in person about it. I have known you for a long time and I know first hand, how passionate you have been regarding Gigi's Playhouse and the work they do. The reason I loved this pitch in particular is because this isn't just some organization you found online, this is an organization you've been invested outside of the walls of our classroom, I know your internship is impacting so many lives and it is refreshing to hear about someone with so much passion for one organization. I also liked how you mentioned that we will be able to see the impact our money has first hand, on the people involved in Gigi's playhouse, when in other organizations, you may not see as much feedback. I applaud your pitch and wish I could've seen your presentation in person, keep doing your great work! I know the people at Gigi's Playhouse are very grateful.
ReplyDeleteAn organization such as “Gigi’s Playhouse” is a wonderful way to help underprivileged children, and those with down syndrome. I believe that by helping underprivileged children such as those with down syndrome is incredibly important. They are often the children left behind. However, that should not be the case because there are many success stories of children with down syndrome in the work force. By supporting organizations like these, it allows for children to learn important skills, and boost their confidence to enhance their chances at success in their future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteAs an athlete on campus, I often notice underprivileged children and in specific, those with down syndrome in our facilities. Whenever I see these children, they always have huge smiles on their faces as they run around the track, play basketball, or are involved in the activities my fellow student-athletes have set up for them. I think it is incredibly important to implement programs that help these children function in our world. I believe that everyone has something to offer. This organization is a wonderful way to help positively implement these children into society.
Your volunteer work will not go unnoticed!
Ellysha Scherer