The Learning Experience St. Augustine raises $5,136 for Make-A-Wish

Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in St. Augustine raised $5,136 during the school’s month-long April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort ties fundraising to hands-on lessons in empathy, generosity and community service for young children.

Why it matters: - The campaign turns early childhood education into a real-world lesson in kindness and service. - The $5,136 raised in St. Augustine adds to a national effort that has generated more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018. - The money helps grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in St. Augustine raised $5,136 during the preschool’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The month-long drive benefited Make-A-Wish. - Children took part in fundraising events, classroom activities and letter-writing for wish children. - Center leaders Amanda Bentley and Unique Boykin guided the campaign alongside philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua.”

The details: - The Learning Experience framed the campaign as part of its mission to make a positive difference for children, families and local communities. - The preschool used the effort to teach compassion, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The campaign was part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company is committed to high-quality childcare and early education beyond academics and is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish. - The company said the initiative shows children that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - The Learning Experience says children, families and staff across its centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018.

Between the lines: - The St. Augustine campaign doubles as fundraising and brand-building for a broader early-learning model centered on social-emotional development. - The structure gives preschoolers a simple, tangible way to connect classroom lessons with community impact. - The national fundraising total suggests the program is a long-running part of The Learning Experience’s identity, not a one-off charity event.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign across centers. - More preschool students and families will likely take part in future fundraising and classroom service activities. - The company’s broader philanthropy curriculum will continue to extend learning beyond the classroom.