McHENRY – GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome awareness centers in 10 cities, four states and two countries will come together Feb. 25 to celebrate Down syndrome awareness with galas.

Centers in McHenry, Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, New York, the Quad Cities, Sioux City, Rockford and Queretaro, Mexico, will be linked via satellite to spread an international message of acceptance and inspiration for individuals with Down syndrome.

This national movement for awareness of Down syndrome began in 2003 when the first GiGi’s Playhouse was started in Hoffman Estates, Scott Perlman, president of GiGi’s Playhouse in McHenry, said in a news release. Since then, 11 have opened across the Midwest, and locations in New York, Atlanta and Mexico are scheduled to open this spring.