Boca Raton preschool raises $5,779 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Boca Raton raised $5,779 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The fundraiser tied classroom activities to philanthropy, giving preschoolers a hands-on lesson in kindness while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned early childhood education into a real-world lesson in empathy, generosity and community service. - The fundraiser helped support Make-A-Wish efforts for children living with critical illnesses. - The program also shows how a preschool can connect family engagement, classroom learning and philanthropy in one initiative.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Boca Raton raised $5,779 during the school’s month-long April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign. - The effort supported Make-A-Wish and its mission to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. - Center leaders Nikki Pamblanco and philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” guided the campaign. - Children wrote encouraging letters, joined fundraising events and took part in classroom activities centered on compassion and helping others.

The details: - 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 activities. - The school says the campaign helps children see how small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to go beyond basic academics and create meaningful community impact. - Wahl also said the partnership with Make-A-Wish helps inspire the next generation of philanthropists. - 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 fundraiser doubles as branding for The Learning Experience’s broader education model, which blends academics, social-emotional learning and civic-minded activities. - The campaign also gives the company a measurable national philanthropy story, not just a local school event. - That combination can help schools and parents see the value of service learning at an early age.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to keep using its annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company continues to expand nationally, with more than 480 centers open and more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The Learning Experience says its mission remains focused on making a positive difference for children, families and the communities it serves.

The bottom line: - A Boca Raton preschool fundraiser raised thousands for Make-A-Wish while teaching young children that giving back can be part of everyday learning.