Clarkston preschool raises $10,133 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Village of Clarkston, Michigan, raised $10,133 during its monthlong April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign to support Make-A-Wish. The effort blended fundraising with classroom lessons on kindness and empathy, and it is part of the chain’s broader philanthropy curriculum.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned a local preschool fundraiser into direct support for children with critical illnesses. - The effort also used hands-on activities to teach young children about kindness, empathy and community service. - The Clarkston results add to a national fundraising effort that has raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Village of Clarkston raised $10,133 during the preschool’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The monthlong effort supported Make-A-Wish and its work granting wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The Learning Experience said the campaign reflects its mission to make a positive difference for children, families and local communities.

The details: - Children participated in fundraising events, classroom activities and letter-writing for wish children. - Center leaders Cynthia Umphrey, Alicia Shepherd, Amanda Slaght, Heather Heckert, Mollie Blixt, Sierra Zaban and Neveah Price guided the activities. - The preschool used philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” to support the campaign. - The initiative 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 company said children learn that small acts of giving can help others and strengthen their communities.

Between the lines: - The campaign shows how early childhood programs can weave philanthropy into daily learning rather than treating it as a one-time charity drive. - The fundraiser also reinforces a brand message for The Learning Experience: education programs can build social-emotional skills alongside academic basics. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the partnership with Make-A-Wish helps create a meaningful difference in communities while inspiring the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience will likely continue its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign as part of its broader philanthropy program. - The company said children, families and staff across its centers nationwide will keep supporting Make-A-Wish through the ongoing initiative. - The Learning Experience said its nationwide centers have collectively raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018.

The bottom line: - A preschool fundraiser in Clarkston did more than collect donations. It linked early learning with service, and it delivered real money for Make-A-Wish.