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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 self- advocacy 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 Saudiaso we canAlly continue to expand our programs and reach to accommodate our growing membership. With your support, I am confident we will achieve these worthy goals. OThankr you all for being a part of our dream and making the 2016 “i have a voice” Gala a success.

Saudia Ally Ally Gala Chair On Behalf of the Board of Managers & Gala Committee

1 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

2 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

3 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 Jon Connolly Rebecca Purnick (Treasurer) Vice President within Saudia Ally Managing Director and the Finance Organization Co-Founder and Chief Senior Counsel within at Credit Suisse Marketing Officer of the Legal Department Marvel US Management Frank Sawyer at BNY Mellon and Heart A Cause Co-Founder and Principal Saudia Ally at TelegraphicMedia GALA COMMITTEE Co-Founder and Chief MEMBERS Marketing Officer of STAFF MEMBERS Marvel US Management Nina Gonzalez Sisson and Heart A Cause Nina Gonzalez Sisson Site Coordinator Site Coordinator Laura Blau Benny Kaufman attorney in private practice Benny Kaufman Programs Director in New York City Programs Director Adam Hait Ryan Brown Entrepreneur and Innovator Wealth Director at PROGRAM BNY Mellon Wealth ADVISORY COMMITTEE BOARD MEMBERS Management Eric Fogarty Hilda Chusid Debbie Morris Vice President in the (President) Kathleen Feeley Investment Management Senior Vice President Division of Goldman Sachs Tobie Franklin at AIG & Co. Liza Galler Jane Providenti Liza Galler (Vice President) Julia Harquil Director of Job Placement Director within the Global Bonnie Keilty and Development for the Finance Organization Center for Special Needs Jordana Mendelson at Deutsche Bank at the Jewish Community Tracy Nixon Sharon Hart-Fanelli Center (JCC Manhattan) (Secretary) Kristen O’Brien Adam Hait CPM, General Manager Entrepreneur and Innovator Emily Perl-Kingsley for Cushman & Wakefield, Corporate Occupier & Gretchen Hayes Jane Providenti Investment Services Managing Director Cary Williams of Guy Carpenter

6 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

7 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

SILVER Henegan Construction

BRONZE Marsh & McLennan Companies Providenti Family

FRIENDS & FAMILY Joseph Neto & Associates

8 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 Pablo Lopez, W New York Jonathan Ansbacher Paul R. Dolan, ABC News Feld Entertainment Inc Marvel US Management Ta-Lia Davis Charity Grow Andrew Walsh Adam Hait Gretchen Hayes Sarah Fairchild Ranjini Pillay New Victory Theater Richard Kelley Row House

9 Your Creative Partner www. mmeink .com 877.885.0705

We proudly support GiGi’s Playhouse

Your Creative Partner www. mmeink .com 877.885.0705 hospitality Your Creative Partner www. mmeink .com 877.885.0705 engagement We Weproudly proudlymeetings support support & events GiGi’sGiGi’s Playhouse Playhouse Your Creative Partner www. mmeink .com 877.885.0705

We proudly support GiGi’s Playhouse

hospitality engagement meetings & events

hospitalityhospitality engagement meetingsengagement & events 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

11 MASTER OF CEREMONIES CHRIS WRAGGE

Chris Wragge co-anchors CBS 2 News Wragge is the recipient of 18 Emmys, This Morning and CBS 2 News At Noon including three wins in the Best News with Mary Calvi. Anchor category. In addition, he and his CBS News colleagues won an Alfred I. He rejoined the station in September 2011 duPont-Columbia University Award for after serving as co-anchor of CBS News’ “CBS Reports: Children of the Recession.” “The Early Show.” Previously, Wragge served as co-anchor of the station’s Prior to joining CBS, Wragge worked for weeknight 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts, NBC Sports. His assignments included co-anchor of the Saturday edition of “The covering the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Early Show” and as a frequent substitute in Salt Lake City, four years as sideline co-anchor of the weekday edition of “The reporter for NBA game broadcasts and two Early Show.” years covering the WNBA. He also covered the PGA Tour for five years, Notre Dame Wragge first joined WCBS-TV in 2004 as Football, and the PBR. Additionally, he the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. anchored NBC’s Sportsdesk reports from sports anchor. 2002-04. In November 2006, he made the transition Previously, Wragge spent four years as a to news anchor and reported on major correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. events such as the 2008 presidential election, the “Miracle on the Hudson” Wragge’s broadcasting career also includes landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, Pope positions with KPRC-TV, the NBC affiliate Benedict XVI’s visit to New York and the in Houston, Texas, WVIT-TV in Hartford, Brooklyn tornado. Wragge also covered Connecticut and WMUR-TV in Manchester, the scandal that led to the resignation of New Hampshire. He also has been a host Governor Eliot Spitzer, the East Side crane for HGTV, DIY and the Travel Channel. collapse, the national recession and the twitter.com/chriswragge rebuilding of the World Trade Center. facebook.com/chris.wragge

12 PERFORMER DJ YOSHI

Since 1996, DJ Yoshi has traveled the He was a feature DJ for MTV’s VMA globe playing at some of the most Popup Tour which celebrated the 30th exclusive venues and events. His award- Anniversary of the Video Music Awards winning live show: “DJ Yoshi Experience” in 2013 and continued making history in fuses elements of hip hop, electro, dance, 2014, as the first In-Game DJ at an Athletic reggae, rock, freestyle, funk & pop creating Conference’s Championship game at an incredible “Open Format” set. Lucas Oil Stadium for the Big Ten Football Championship Weekend, spinning for Heavily involved in the worlds of fashion & 66,000 fans. television, DJ Yoshi has spun at events for high-end brands like Ferrari and Hublot; DJ Yoshi currently serves as the Official celebrities, P. Diddy, Mariah Carey, Frank DJ of Rutgers Football and Rutgers Sinatra Jr., Mary J. Blige, The B-52’s; and, Basketball and spins for the iconic brand, even being the hype man or emcee for Under Armour. He has previously worked artists such as Gavin DeGraw, DJ Khaled, with the NJ Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), Austin Mahone and Rob Base. Harlem Wizards, NY Jets and was recently featured by Erin Andrews on Emmy-Award- Yoshi’s technical skill, creative style and Winning, Sportscenter. high-energy sets have placed him as a headliner at some of the most exclusive His philanthropic activities include working venues around the globe from New York’s with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Fight Pacha, Highline and PH-D to Las Vegas’ For Children and Heart A Cause among Tryst and Drai to Toronto, Barbados and others, where he advocates community the United Kingdom. partnership, education and research. Whether a crowd of 300 or a packed In 2011, DJ Yoshi became an Official stadium of 85,000 people, DJ Yoshi’s Monster Cable DJ when he joined the team showmanship, musical versatility and of “Monster DJs”, a group that consists contagious energy motivates the masses of some of the most influential DJs in the into enjoying an unforgettable experience. world. In addition to joining this prestigious team, DJ Yoshi is a Brand Ambassador and www.djyoshi.com the Official DJ for Armadale Vodka.

13 PERFORMER N’KENGE

“N’Kenge’s an artist who’s destined to leading roles in both the Elton John/Tim make a serious impact on several musical Rice Musical “Aida” and in Marion Caffey’s fronts. From operatic to spiritual, from “3 Mo Divas” by the Helen Hayes Awards pop to musical theater, from jazz to blues; and the Arizoni Theater Awards. N’Kenge tender or intense, N’Kenge’s performances starred in the Michael Jackson Tribute are consistent in her technical excellence. Show World Tour and is consistently seen Her musical repertoire covers 11 languages as a soloist in pop programs with Pop and her power and control are uncanny.” Maestro Jack Everly with the Indianapolis — Joe Berger LBTV Music Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra among NY Post called N’Kenge “Electrifying” in others around the globe. the role of Mary Wells that she originated in Broadway’s Smash Hit Motown: The N’Kenge is currently working on a Musical. Berry Gordy describes N’Kenge new album. Not new to the recording as “the most versatile artist I know.” experience; she released her first solo album “Red Souvenir” while still completing N’Kenge made her Broadway debut in her graduate studies at The Juilliard Sondheim on Sondheim singing alongside School. She now has the opportunity to Vanessa Williams, Barbara Cook, Tom share her music once again with this move Wopat and Norm Lewis. N’Kenge was seen and expand her brand to the masses. In in 2015 as a presenter at the 58th Annual anticipation of her album, Burt Bacharach NY Emmy Awards. She had the honor to says “N’Kenge is an Amazing Talent sing at the White House for President Bill that needs to be heard.” Excited about Clinton and for the Commander-in-Chief being a writer and co-producer on this Ball for President Obama. She starred in upcoming album, she is also a producer London’s West End at the Theatre Royal in and is already cast as Queen Ti in the a tribute to the late great Ray Charles, and highly anticipated Broadway Bound Show has done solo engagements in New York at Akhenaten: The Musical. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as the Library of Congress in Washington, For more details on N’Kenge 2015-2016 DC in which it was broadcast worldwide tour season and recordings, visit her at by NPR. www.nkengemusic.com

This energetic, well-rounded singer was recently nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of the

14 PERFORMER K’LYNN JACKMAN

Ten-years-old K’Lynn Jackman, the only in the gospel and R&B genres, such as girl among her Orange, NJ, family of six, is Aretha Franklin, Bishop TD Jakes, Donnie already capturing the imaginations—and McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Cee Cee hearts—of all who see this talented young Houston, Smokie Norful, and John P. Kee lady perform. As a truly gifted singer and and more at the McDonald’s Gospel Fest. actress, K’Lynn has established herself Films on Bravo TV and commercials have as a rising star to watch, with acclaimed also featured this emerging young talent, appearances at such notable venues whose screen presence wins people over as the United Nations’ Champions Of every day. Change Award Ceremony, Madison Seen by many as a child prodigy, K’Lynn Square Garden, Newark, NJ Bear Stadium, moves forward with “big dreams, a strong multiple New York City Hall engagements, faith, and a one-of-a-kind academic Brooklyn Nets games, the Apollo Theater, record”, emphasizing her dedication to and GiGi’s Playhouse NYC, among many education, even amidst the bright lights of other prominent arenas, theaters, and stardom. With hard work, determination, political locations. family, and God, K’Lynn believes all things On stage, she’s thrilled theatergoers are possible, with the sky the only limit on playing the role of young Nala in her future. “Nothing is impossible,” K’Lynn Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical, says, “if you start with a dream and live it.” The Lion King, and several other NYC- You can follow K’Lynn on Twitter, area plays and musicals. In addition to Instagram, Vine, and YouTube as appearing at the late Whitney Houston’s @klynnsource, and via Facebook at first annual Tribute Celebration, K’Lynn www.facebook.com/klynnsource. has also opened up for the top names

15 KEYNOTE SPEAKER DAVID WEINGARTEN

David Weingarten is the Vice Chairman of industry and with his varied years of Let All The Children Play Foundation (LATCP) experience David wanted to give back. He and brings years of expertise to grassroots spent 10 years representing and advocating initiatives on Long Island for individuals with for young individuals with disabilities as the disabilities and their families. For the past Co-Chair of the Long Island Family Support 31 years, since his son Adam was born Consumer Council, in conjunction with the with Down syndrome, David has advocated LIDDSO (OPWDD). He served as parent for the inclusion of his son and those with advocate for the Nassau County DOH intellectual and developmental disabilities Developmental Disabilities Committee and into communities. was a past president of the Association for Children with Down Syndrome; a former Initially thought to be a simple introduction, chair (and board member) for the LI Multiple David met those responsible for researching, Sclerosis Golf Classic; and a certified developing and designing Israel’s first Special Olympics coach and developer of accessible playground, which opened in informational resources. Ra’anana in 2005. Inspired, David helped to establish LATCP as a 501(c)(3) in 2006 David currently works for the JCC of and started to collaborate with government the Greater Five Towns (Marion & Aaron officials, organizations, civic groups and Gural JCC) as the Director of Special parents in establishing a mission to create Needs/Projects and provides leadership a similar playground in Nassau County. In with employment initiative for those with May 2012, the Nassau County community disabilities, is a grant writer and program celebrated the opening of the LATCP 2-acre, director for socialization programs for teens $1.5million universally accessible playground/ and adults with disabilities. He created an park in Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park. inclusive golf program at a local golf facility that provides socialization opportunities for Prior to the creation of LATCP, David provided its participants and sensitivity training for the much needed service for families daunted volunteers and the local community at large. by the enormous task of Special Needs Estate Planning. His holistic approach to David resides in Atlantic Beach with his wife financial planning provided security for Renee and two dogs. His son, Adam, lives in families while also leading workshops/ a group residence on Long Island and attends seminars for organizations, professional a daily day program. His daughter, Leah, associations and parent groups. graduated Indiana University, works and lives in New York City. He leisurely enjoys golf, David holds a B.S.B.A from Denver University, beach volleyball/wallyball and reading. and enjoyed a 20-plus year management and sales career in New York City’s garment www.latcp.org

16 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.

17 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 Noa Hankin Martyna Okuniewska Bridget Heddens Emma Schaeffer Brandt Hersh David Sheeger Jeremy Hersh Emily Thomas Victoria Hinojosa Hayden Wilson Ethan Jones Julia Klele VOLUNTEERS Verónica Labarca Kerri Aidikoff Srinivas Lakhanigam Safia Al-Rawi Swabarene Matan Camille Amezcua Darius Mayfield Elizabeth Atlas Shamiah Mayfield Kenan Bardt Tatiana Rendon David Beal Emma Schaeffer Kirsten Bowen Elizabeth Scheel D’Andra Brown Jenniffalisa Scigliano Olga Bykanova Mona Tauseef Katherine Cardy Renee Tidaback Sarah Carter Marilena Vasilatos Lauren Costabile Beth Wrubleski Emily Darby Eunice Daudu INTERNS Madeline Day Smith Graciela Lema Renata Demichelis Tatiana Rendon Cindy Gaynor Ana Skrypczuk Veronica Glen

22 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 [email protected] 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

Josepe h Neto & Associates A LERCH BATES COMPANY VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS

New Construction • Modernization • Design Layouts • Project Management Specifications • Maintenance Evaluations • Third Party Wittnessing Due Diligence • Traffic Analysis • Exxpert Witness

1430 Broadway • Suite 908 • New York, NY 10018  212--596-4690 www.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 Legal, Compliance & Public Affairs

Salutes GiGi’s Playhouse NYC

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS GENERAL CONTRACTORS

250 W30TH STREET NEW YORK NY 10001 TEL. 212.947-6441 WWW.HENEGAN.COM

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 • [email protected] /@GiGiPHNYC /gigisplayhouseNYC