How it Began...

In 2015, a compassionate and caring group of community members began talking about the concept of this foundation. The goal was simple: to ensure organizations that serve local people with Down syndrome, like GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford, can survive and thrive to help those in our community for years to come.

That caring group of community members formed the Stateline Down Syndrome Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization whose funds are managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

Board Members:

Penny Wirtjes, President
Founding Board Member, GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford

Ellen Poppen, Treasurer
CPA, CMA, EKP Solution Source, LLC

Pam Maher, Secretary
President/CEO, KMK Media Group, Inc.

Steve Summers, Vice President
Morning Show Host, 95.3 The Bull

Jane Jensen Burden, Family Care & Advanced Planning Advisor
Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Paula Capone, Director of Fund Development
Wesley Willows

Michael T Cyrs JD, CFP®, MBA; Sr. Director of Wealth Transfer
Savant Wealth Management

Ilche Nonevski, M.D.
Rockford Gastroenterology Associates