GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey

06/16/2026

We had the incredible privilege of working with Tristate Timing this past Saturday for our GiGi's 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome and we are thankful for all the work they did in preparation of race day as well as setting up course markings across the 5K trails at Garret Mountain. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

📹 Tristate Timing also kept video and took photo finishes during the 5K, all of which can be found here: https://ow.ly/enmB50Zcp6n

📸 Did you take your own photos on race day? We'd love if you would consider sharing them with us so that we can continue spreading the good news about GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey and our growing community! Our form is available at this link: https://ow.ly/ab1T50Zcp5m

Thank you for helping us keep the joy of Saturday going! 💚💙

06/14/2026

And just like that, GiGi’s Playhouse North Jersey 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome is complete!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making today as amazing as it was! So much joy and magic as we look to the future and imagine all the possibilities our Playhouse will bring!

06/12/2026

📣 Know Before You Go!

💙💛GiGi’s 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome
🗓️ June 13, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
📍Garret Mountain, 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Lots of great info not to miss! Be sure to scroll through and keep as a handy reference. (💡Tip: Screenshot the pages in case your socials don’t load in the park.)

Tag us and use for all your awesome pics!

Donations can still be made here: https://gigisplayhouse.donordrive.com/north-jersey-5k-26

See you at Garret Mountain! 👋🏻

06/09/2026

✨Our spotlight is shining this week on Cooper's Crew, named for one of our littlest future participants who is making big waves for Saturday's 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome!✨

"When we found out Cooper would be born with Down syndrome, we didn’t know what to expect. We had two kids already – Eleanor (8) and Bode (2) – and this felt like uncharted territory for our family.

Cooper is seven months old now. He is strong, sweet, loving and unique. It is hard to imagine a time when we were nervous about what to expect.

GiGi’s Playhouse will give parents like us something we could’ve used at the time– a real community. People who show up, who can speak on experience (not fear) and who want to see every child with Down syndrome thrive. We want the same things for Cooper that we want for Eleanor and Bode. GiGi’s is a place built around making that possible – friendship, fun, and every chance to reach his fullest potential.

As Cooper grows, we want to grow right alongside this community – supporting it the same way it’s supported people like us. Every child deserves the chance to realize their fullest potential, and we’re committed to being part of making that happen for a long time to come."

🔗 Help team Cooper's Crew reach their $5,000 goal: https://ow.ly/jqMQ50Z9n7t

06/03/2026

💙 Garret Mountain has so much to offer our families for our 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome. 💛

Just above our home base of Great Meadow is a fully accessible, totally fenced-in playground. 🛝You'll have a view of the entire event from up there! And the views from the Auto Overlook at the top of Great Meadow are absolutely incredible. 👀

Don't forget water and sun protection!! 🥤🧢🕶️

🗓️ Saturday, June 13
⏰ 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Haven't registered yet? That's okay!! Register or donate here: https://ow.ly/Qerv50Z78wI (Please note that shirt sizes are no longer guaranteed.)

06/01/2026

📣 Vendor Opportunity!

Do you own a business or provide a service that benefits the Down syndrome community in northern New Jersey? Are you interested in reaching a targeted audience all in one location?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to host a vendor table at our GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome.

Event details:
🗓️ Saturday, June 13
⏰ 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
📍Garret Mountain Reservation, Woodland Park, NJ

Please email [email protected] no later than Friday, June 5, for approval. If approved, a $50 nonrefundable fee will be due no later than Monday, June 8. Vendors will be required to bring their own table and tent, if using.

🔗 More event information available on our event page: https://ow.ly/cYMS50Z6hTz

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

Join GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey on 06/13/2026, for the GiGi’s 5K — Dash for Down Syndrome!

When you register for the GiGi’s Playhouse 5K, you’re not just signing up to walk or run. Every participant becomes a fundraiser, helping support our ongoing effort to open a brick-and-mortar Playhouse right here in northern New Jersey! 🤩

Setting up your personal fundraising page takes just a few minutes, and sharing your story is one of the most meaningful ways to inspire family, friends, and coworkers to support individuals with Down syndrome. 💙💛 Every dollar you raise brings us another day closer to opening our doors. 🏠

Can’t make it on race day? You can still make an impact!

You don’t have to be at the starting line to support the GiGi’s Playhouse 5K — Dash for Down Syndrome. Donate or explore sponsorship opportunities to help fund our build. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference.

Together, we’re building a more accepting future for individuals with Down syndrome, locally and nationwide! 💚💛🧡💜💙

🔗 More info and to register: https://ow.ly/oQuG50Z5JCB

05/27/2026

Not running with us on June 13 but still want to get involved? 🙋 Great news! We are filling volunteer slots for our 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome and could use your energy during what will undoubtedly be a lively and inspiring Saturday morning. 😎 Individuals, youth groups, Scouts, Unified Athletes, and outreach/giveback programs though schools, churches, and businesses are all encouraged to attend this incredible community .

🔗 Sign up here: https://ow.ly/pnKe50Z4NXJ

A few available event day opportunities include:
📋 Registration table volunteers
🪜 Setup and cleanup/breakdown crews
📣 Course helpers and cheer squad
🚰 Distributing water to racers
🏅 Rewarding medals at finish lines

Why Volunteer?
✔ Earn community service hours
✔ Build leadership & teamwork skills
✔ Great for college applications & resumes
✔ Network and connect with your community
✔ Be part of a fun, high-energy event!

(GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey's 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome will take place at Garret Mountain in Woodland Park, NJ, on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Check-in begins at 7:30 AM and the event concludes at 11:00 AM. There is still time to register: https://ow.ly/ZgYM50Z4O8g)

05/24/2026

📣 Team fundraising rewards for GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey 5K - Dash for Down Syndrome are announced!

🟦 $500: GiGi's Playhouse Drawstring Bag
🟩 $1,000: GiGi's Playhouse North Jersey Water Bottle
🟦 $2,100: GiGi's Playhouse Hoodie
🟩 $3,210: Generation G Tote Bag
🟦 $5,000: Reserved Parking Space on Event Day

🟧 Event day experiences rewarded to top fundraising teams!!

🏅 ALL finishers (5K, 1-mile, Dash) receive medals at their designated finish lines 🤩

🔗 Register at: https://ow.ly/WKwm50Z3zXc