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Grand Knight John Laskey and Past Grand Knight Brian Mellenthin of St. Theodore Guerin Knights of Columbus Council 14057 presented a check for $1,500 to GiGi’s Playhouse of Tinley Park, one of several donations to local groups resulting from the Knights of Columbus’ Fall Tootsie Roll Drive.
One of the most recognizable activities of the Knights of Columbus, funds collected from the Tootsie Roll Drive go to local and state organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities. Palos Heights based Council 14057 raised $6,200 during the fall fundraiser.
Gigi’s Playhouse is a network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers that provides free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The stated mission of Gigi’s Playhouse is to change the way Down syndrome is viewed and to send a global message of acceptance so that individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities. The organization has more than 50 locations across the United States and Mexico. Gigi’s Playhouse opened at 15954 S. Harlem in Tinley Park in September 2013.
Adults with developmental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome, experience isolation, with a lack of age-appropriate social opportunities. Thanks to Gigi’s Playhouse and St. Theodore Guerin Council Knights of Columbus, south suburban adults with developmental disabilities and volunteers enjoy a monthly Adult Social Skills Dance Party. Every month adults dance to pop music provided by DJ Skinny B, also known as Brian Mellenthin, a Knight and father who started the Dance Party. Every month the dance is themed with holidays or seasonal activities.
These activities encourage social interaction and communication. Participants also enjoy themed snacks and an opportunity to sit and chat. The Knights of Columbus, through the annual Tootsie Roll Drive for people with Intellectual Disabilities, fund decorations, props, activities, and snacks for the dance. And, everyone leaves with a smile and looking forward to the next dance.
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut. With charity as its central commitment, the organization has grown to 2 million members worldwide. St. Theodore Guerin Council 14057 of the Knights of Columbus was established at St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights in 2006.
