Our special program on Friday, October 2nd was Courtney Criss of the Everett Gigi's Playhouse which is a national non-profit franchise with 63 locations and one virtual site in the United States. Gigi's Playhouse was founded 20 years ago in Hoffman Estates, Illinois by Nancy Gianni in honor of her daughter Gigi. Locally the Gigi Playhouse team is launching a new Playhouse to serve Snohomish County and surrounding areas. The initiative seeks to establish a local Gigi's Playhouse to expand access to free programs for individuals with Down syndrome. The organizations estimates Snohomish County's population at 900,000 with estimates of 800 individuals with Down syndrome. Adult services are limited for children with Down syndrome. Raising funds are a major effort with a Gigi's Playhouse Everett's first one called “I Have a Voice Gala” on October 24th. Click this link for more information about GiGi's Playhouse Everett.