Giving Back 2023

Paradise Galleries believes in representation for all. Read more about our partnership with GiGi's Playhouse and hear directly from their members about why representation is important!

By Jazzy Lathrop
January 11, 2023

Representation Matters

Meet Charlie from GiGi's Playhouse!

Charlie previously attended GiGi's Playhouse in New York and loved it so much that he and his mom were advocates for the brand new location in Orange County, California! We asked Charlie why he loves GiGi's Playhouse and why representation matters to him!

Tell us a little about yourself!
I am 22 years old and my name is Charlie Horner. I have two sisters and one brother and I am the third baby. My mom had. My favorite thing in the whole world is Christmas because all my family comes home. My favorite hobbies are singing karaoke and hanging out with all my friends. I also play baseball and have a job.

What do you love most about GiGi's Playhouse?
I am just so happy that I have this place, because I finally have a place for me and my special people to just hang out and have fun. I can't wait to get healthy and do the exercises for GG fit so I can get my rings closed on my Apple Watch.

What's one of your favorite/best memories while spending time at GiGi's Playhouse?
My favorite memory at GiGi’s Playhouse is the Christmas party where I got to sing karaoke Christmas songs with all my friends. I was also very happy with my teacher from when I was little came to see GiGi’s Playhouse and I got to take her on a tour.

What difference do you think GiGi's Playhouse has made on the community?
It gives me a place to go and meet people like me and moms and dads that have babies too. I get to meet a lot of people that have down syndrome and they love their life too.

Why does representation matter to you?
It's great for people to have dolls that have Down Syndrome like “me” because they are cool people that have special big hearts and are kind. So dolls like me are great for people to have special dolls

Anything else you'd like to share with our community?
This place really is awesome and I have fun every time I go. I think everybody should go. I left to go help all the little kids and babies too. 

Charlie at his job as the Activities Assistant at a local Catholic high school.