Oviedo preschool raises $6,633 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Oviedo raised $6,633 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort mixed fundraising with classroom activities to teach children kindness, empathy and service while helping grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign ties early childhood education to philanthropy, giving preschoolers a hands-on lesson in kindness and community service. - The $6,633 raised in Oviedo adds to a nationwide effort that has generated more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018. - The money supports wishes for children living with critical illnesses.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Oviedo raised $6,633 during the center’s month-long “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - Center leaders William Ramos da Silva, Rabio Rezende, Bruno Guilherme Rezende Silva and Clara Liz Rezende Silva guided the effort. - The campaign also featured philanthropic mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Preschoolers took part in fundraising events. - Classroom activities focused on compassion and helping others. - The campaign was part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The Learning Experience says the effort helps children learn that small acts of giving can strengthen their communities. - The Learning Experience serves children from six weeks to six years old and has more than 480 centers open with more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K.

Between the lines: - The campaign turns a local fundraiser into a broader brand message about social-emotional learning. - The effort also gives The Learning Experience a visible way to connect its education model with community impact. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to provide early education that goes beyond academics and create a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to continue the annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - National participation across The Learning Experience centers should keep building the company’s cumulative fundraising total for Make-A-Wish. - The Oviedo center can use the campaign as a template for future community-based learning activities.

The bottom line: - The Learning Experience in Oviedo raised money for Make-A-Wish while teaching young children how giving back can help others.