Rocky Point preschool raises $10,000 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Rocky Point raised $10,000 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The fundraiser blended classroom activities with donations and events, teaching preschoolers philanthropy while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The Rocky Point campaign turned early childhood education into a real-world lesson in empathy, generosity and community service. - The $10,000 raised will help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort also shows how a preschool program can connect classroom learning to local impact.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Rocky Point raised $10,000 during the school’s month-long “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - The campaign included donations, fundraising events and classroom activities.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Preschoolers took part in activities focused on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Diane Stalzer, Kristy Miller and Donna Damiano guided the campaign. - The preschool’s philanthropic mascots, Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua, were part of the activities. - The campaign is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - The Learning Experience has worked with Make-A-Wish nationwide since 2018. - Across the company’s centers, children, families and staff have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The campaign reinforces The Learning Experience’s broader strategy of pairing childcare with character education. - The fundraising effort also helps build family and staff engagement around the school’s mission. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company wants to go beyond basic academics and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to keep using its annual Make-A-Wish campaign as a recurring community-building and teaching tool. - The company will continue expanding its philanthropy curriculum across its centers. - The Learning Experience says it remains focused on making a positive difference for children, families and communities.