Newtown Preschoolers to Raise Make-A-Wish Funds, Feb. 23

Newtown, CT – Preschoolers at The Learning Experience®, the nation’s fastest growing Academy of Early Education for children six weeks to six years old, in Newtown, will participate in the Academy’s 5^th Annual nationwide "BeCause Our Hearts Beat" philanthropic initiative. Part of The Learning Experience’s first-of-its-kind proprietary philanthropy curriculum, the event will feature an auction of heart-themed art created by the students to raise awareness and funds for Make-A-Wish®. The event is open to the public and will take place on February 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 274 South Main Street, Building A, Newtown, Conn.

Tying the curriculum designed to teach the core tenets of selflessness, generosity and giving, with Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, all proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to Make-A-Wish to help grant “wishes” of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.

“'BeCause Our Hearts Beat' allows our students to use their creative talents and imaginations to help the community and those in need, which makes it one of the many philanthropic activities we look forward to each year,” said Jennifer Murray, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations with The Learning Experience. “Additionally, our students are able to put into action the philanthropic lessons they learn consistently within our classrooms for a greater cause.”

In addition to raising thousands of dollars for various charities across the country, The Learning Experience Corporate has raised $1.5 million to date for Make-A-Wish, its partner in creating TLE's unique philanthropy curriculum taught at the Academy’s 170 operating locations nationwide. Make-A-Wish grants wishes for children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in the United States and its territories. 

"We are thrilled to continue to drive initiatives and host events at our centers to benefit worthwhile charities that promote positive change in our communities, all while teaching children invaluable lessons of empathy and giving,” continued Murray. “We believe it is our responsibility as forerunners in early education to instill these lessons into our future leaders – our children – during the school day, and we encourage families and members of the community to partner with us to ensure long-term success.”

With the help of Grace The Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua, the lovable and huggable dog mascots for philanthropy at The Learning Experience, the philanthropy curriculum helps teach children that it is not how big or small you are, it is the size of your heart that matters. Through animation, classroom activities and participatory songs, Grace and Charity introduce children to topics like the value of helping others, volunteering and donating.

More About The Learning Experience®

The Learning Experience® is the nation’s fastest growing Academy of Early Education for children ages six weeks to six years old. With a greater national emphasis on educational development during the most crucial years of a child's growth, The Learning Experience places a prominent focus on programs that advance scholastic preparation. The Learning Experience prepares children academically and socially via innovative scholastic and enrichment programs such as the L.E.A.P.® curriculum, a cutting-edge proprietary approach to learning which has 9 out of 10 of its children entering Kindergarten already reading. To complement the academic curriculum, The Learning Experience utilizes various enrichment programs crucial to advancing learning and overall balance, such as philanthropy, Yippee 4 Yoga™, Music 4 Me®, Movin’ N Groovin’®, manners and etiquette, and foreign language.