On July 31st, 2021, I plan to make an 8-day, 160-mile trek down the Hudson River by kayak with my father, Michael Lorch. We will start the trip in Troy and finish in NYC at Pier 40, aiming to paddle 20-30 miles a day, camping along the river as we go. Although it was originally a personal challenge, I want to use our journey as a way to give back to an organization I care deeply about: Gigi’s Playhouse NYC.

My younger sister, Christine, has Down Syndrome, and Gigi's Playhouse NYC is one of the resources my family has relied on to help her develop into the bright, social person she is today.

Located in Harlem, Gigi’s Playhouse NYC is a nonprofit that serves as a community, support, and awareness center for people with Down Syndrome. They offer a number of programs that foster engagement and creativity in the Down Syndrome community, with Christine having participated in a fashion show, literacy classes, and virtual cooking classes. They support people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, offering all of their activities for free.

Gigi’s Playhouse NYC is a haven to hundreds of families across New York City, and I want to make sure they can continue to spread positivity for years to come. So as I travel with my dad down the Hudson River, please consider making a donation to brighten the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome across the city. Thank you in advance for your support and contribution!

With much gratitude,

Grace Lorch

To learn more about Gigi’s Playhouse NYC, visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/newyork/

DownStream for Down Syndrome

By Grace Lorch

DownStream for Down Syndrome

Raising money for Gigi's Playhouse NYC

Team Members