Rivercrest preschool raises $5,108 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Riverview’s Rivercrest preschool raised $5,108 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort blended fundraising with classroom lessons on empathy, giving back and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign tied early education to real-world philanthropy. - The $5,108 raised will support Make-A-Wish efforts for children living with critical illnesses. - The program is part of The Learning Experience’s broader effort to teach children kindness, inclusion and community service.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Riverview raised $5,108 during the month-long “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - The campaign used donations, events and classroom activities to bring the effort to life.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Students took part in fundraising events and classroom lessons focused on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Jackie Talleyrand, Arnold Talleyrand, Lasandra Talleyrand, Rozana Bass and Natasha Jordan guided the campaign. - The preschool used philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” during the effort. - The campaign is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - That curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The Learning Experience said the approach helps children understand that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The Rivercrest campaign shows how the preschool is using fundraising as a teaching tool, not just a charity drive. - The effort also reinforces The Learning Experience’s brand message around purposeful learning and social-emotional development. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company wants to go beyond basic academics while inspiring the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual Make-A-Wish fundraising campaign across centers nationwide. - The company will keep using its philanthropy curriculum and classroom-based activities to connect service with early childhood education. - The Rivercrest preschool’s fundraiser adds to the company’s multi-year total as the campaign continues.