APRIL 21 2 016 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.