GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center, WNY icons to light night in blue & yellow celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Regionwide party to recognize & celebrate individuals with Down syndrome.

On Monday, March 21, GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center will partner with many of the region’s iconic building and attractions to shine a light on DS.

Yellow and blue are the colors of Down syndrome awareness. Several locations, including Buffalo City Hall, Niagara Falls, the Peace Bridge, Oishei Children’s Hospital, the Iskalo Electric Tower, the Ford Water Tower and M&T Plaza, will light up in honor of those individuals and families touched by Down syndrome around the world.

“Down syndrome occurs when there are three copies of the 21st chromosome. Every year, on March 21 (or 3/21), the world comes together to celebrate those who have Down syndrome, and bring awareness to those who may not know much about it,” GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo Board President Will Mondschein said. “We thought there was no better way to celebrate this community than to literally shine a light on it.”

GiGi’s Playhouse will also host a World Down Syndrome Celebration at its facility from 4-7 p.m. with live music by Fuzzy & the Rustbelts, plus hors d'oeuvres and giveaways. All are welcome. Registration is required, and current coronavirus protocols will be followed. Register at https://gigisplayhouse.org/buffalo/sfcalendar.

GiGi’s Playhouse is the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, with over 55 brick and mortar locations across the U.S. and Mexico.

The Buffalo branch is located at 326 Kenmore Ave. It serves all individuals with Down syndrome, and their families, in the greater community. For more information, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/buffalo.

A press release said, “Every day, GiGi’s Playhouse changes lives by providing free, life-changing therapeutic, educational and career training programs for individuals of all ages. The organization also helps advance a vital social impact goal by showing the world what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends and valued members of their communities.”