Oliver to be Surprised by Make-A-Wish & The Learning Experience, Celebrating Nationwide Multi-Million Dollar “Let’s Grant Wishes” Campaign
Cedar Grove, NJ – On Thursday, April 17th, three-year-old Oliver of Oxford, Township, NJ will be surprised with a special celebration in his honor. The celebration will take place at The Learning Experience of Cedar Grove, in front of the entire school of little learners, teachers, corporate leadership, and the staff of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, along with special members of the Cedar Grove Police & Fire Departments, when Oliver will learn that his wish to go to St. Thomas is about to come true.
Oliver has courageously battled a life-threatening heart condition, which qualified him for a wish from Make-A-Wish. Oliver’s journey has been a long and difficult one, navigating the frightening realities of a critical illness at such a young age. When he was asked that magical question that brings the mission of Make-A-Wish to life, “if you could have one wish, what would it be?”, Oliver’s family helped to declare his wish to go to St. Thomas! Oliver loves the water and the beach and is excited to swim with dolphins and enjoy family time in the beautiful weather!
Thanks to Make-A-Wish and The Learning Experience, Oliver is about to experience the surprise of a lifetime, find out that his wish is coming true and learn the exciting details of his wish – which is just a few days away. He and his family depart for St. Thomas on April 19th. The celebration will include an inspiring program revealing the details of his trip, a beach set-up, a pizza truck, tropical ice cream truck, music and more. Of course, Bubbles the Elephant, The Learning Experience official mascot, will be there to help celebrate the news of Oliver’s wish as well.
Oliver’s wish is being granted in partnership with The Learning Experience as a celebration of the 2025 “Let’s Grant Wishes” Campaign, benefiting Make-A-Wish. For the month of April, The Learning Experience centers across the entire country have fundraised for Make-A-Wish to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign has cumulatively raised more than $8 million nationwide since 2018, and over $2 million in New Jersey alone.
Oliver’s surprise celebration will take place at The Learning Experience of Cedar Grove at 10:30am on Thursday, April 17th, in celebration of the April TLE Campaign Let’s Grant Wishes and Make-A-Wish’s World Wish Month – the global anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish. On April 29th, 1980, in Phoenix Arizona, seven-year-old Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, experienced life-changing joy when he spent the entire day as a police officer. His favorite TV show was CHIPS, so a police officer was of course what Chris aspired to be. When members of law-enforcement learned of Chris, his courageous battle with cancer, and his desire to join the men and women in uniform, a special day was put together for him. Six people answered the call, rallied the entire community, and lifted Chris up during his darkest days. These original WishMakers – U.S. Customs Agents, members of the Department of Public Safety, and even Chris’ own mother Linda - were inspired by the impact they had on Chris. They vowed to do more. It was decided that they would create an unparalleled type of charity, and a global movement was born. Over 615,000 children with critical illnesses around the world have experienced the life-changing power of a wish. On Thursday, April 17th, Oliver will join the Make-A-Wish family of over 615,000 children and families around the world that have experienced the same hope, strength and joy Chris experienced 45 years ago.
WHAT:
Surprise Reveal and Sendoff Party for Oliver’s Wish to go to St. Thomas
WHERE:
The Learning Experience of Cedar Grove
1090 Pompton Ave
Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
WHEN:
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
10:00am Media Arrival / 10:30am Oliver Arrival
MORE:
The Learning Experience “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign allows The Learning Experience little learners to put the important life values they’ve learned all year into action, raising vital funds for Make-A-Wish and educating future philanthropists that it doesn’t matter how big or small you are, it’s the size of your heart that matters.
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 more than 430 centers open and a new location opening every week. 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. To complement the academic curriculum, The Learning Experience utilizes various enrichment programs crucial to advancing learning and overall balance, such as philanthropy, Little Musicians, Little Engineers, Little Athletes, manners and etiquette, and foreign language. For more information, visit www.thelearningexperience.com.
About Make-A-Wish® New Jersey
Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. A single wish can transform lives. With their national headquarters based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 58 chapters serving children in every community in the United States and its territories, and 39 international affiliates serving children on five continents. Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 12,500 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit nj.wish.org and discover how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.
Contact:
Jamie Szwiec, The Learning Experience
Chris Bogusz, Make-A-Wish New Jersey