Theresa Foundation Supports MAD Art Workshop at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC
MAD Art Workshop — GiGi’s Playhouse, Fall 2024
At the Theresa Foundation, we are committed to enriching the lives of children with special needs through art, music, dance, drama, and recreation. This mission continues to thrive through a remarkable collaboration with Theatre Within and GiGi’s Playhouse NYC, bringing an empowering art experience to teens with Down syndrome.
This past fall, thanks to a grant from the Theresa Foundation, Theatre Within brought its acclaimed MAD Art Workshop to GiGi’s Playhouse NYC. Led by Sam Viviano, the longtime Art Director of MAD Magazine, the eight-week series will provide teens with Down syndrome an opportunity to explore their creativity, express themselves through art, and grow their confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment.
GiGi’s Playhouse NYC stands as a beacon of support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It is the only community and education center in New York City specifically designed to meet their unique needs. The importance of initiatives like this cannot be overstated—an estimated 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in the U.S., yet it remains one of the least funded genetic conditions by the National Institutes of Health. This makes it even more vital to invest time, resources, and care in programs that empower this remarkable community.
Joe Raiola, Executive-Artistic Director of Theatre Within, expressed deep gratitude for the Theresa Foundation’s involvement, saying, “It’s clearly a community in need and one we’re honored to serve. We owe a great debt of thanks to the Theresa Foundation for their vision and outreach.”
The collaboration between Theatre Within, GiGi’s Playhouse NYC, and the Theresa Foundation is a true alignment of values. Theresa’s father, Vincent J. Russo, discovered Theatre Within’s impactful programs through their annual John Lennon Tribute and envisioned how the MAD Art Workshop could foster self-expression for teens with Down syndrome.
“The Theresa Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities,” shared Elizabeth Einhart, Executive Director of the Theresa Foundation. “This partnership with Theatre Within and GiGi’s Playhouse NYC represents a significant step towards enhancing the lives of these remarkable teens through art and self-expression. By combining the artistic expertise of Theatre Within with the supportive environment at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC, we hope to inspire these young artists and help them discover their full potential.”
The Theresa Foundation is proud to be part of this inspiring initiative, which demonstrates the power of partnerships in achieving shared goals. Together, we are not just supporting art education—we are investing in the futures of young people with Down syndrome, helping them shine and show the world what they can achieve.
