The Learning Experience teaches philanthropy from an early age
The Learning Experience hosted a “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April, raising more than $40,000 for Make-A-Wish Arizona.
The Learning Experience is a family-owned and operated early childhood education program.
With a mission to make a positive difference for the kids, families and communities they serve, their “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April was a huge success and raised more than $40,000 for Make-A-Wish Arizona.
We teach our kids it doesn’t matter how big or small you are, it’s the size of your heart that matters.
Heather Dins
Regional Manager
“I think our organizations have similar values and the idea of kids helping other kids in our community makes this a great partnership.”
All eight Arizona locations collaborated to raise money for this campaign, but the top three fundraisers each had a different strategy to help grant wishes.
Morrison Ranch
“We had a breakfast for families to interact with teachers on a more personal level,” said Debbie Caruso, center director for Morrison Ranch. “In our conversations, we learned some of our family members were part of a wish experience or have been involved in a wish in some way.
“It makes people eager when they see the impact of a wish first-hand. Local businesses donated gift baskets, certificates and raffle items and some people even offered to help make up the difference once we got close to our fundraising goal.”
Chandler
“What may work for one community doesn’t always work for another, but we thrive on friendly competition,” said Heather Dins. “The Chandler location sold raffle tickets to win a gift theme basket and Siya, the daughter of the center franchisees, Amita and Ravinder Gairola, explained to every family why it’s important to participate and for young children to raise money for Make-A-Wish.
“Our mission is to extend beyond the walls of our schools, helping the community we serve, and sharing that the money raised goes to the local chapter and stays in Arizona is what really resonated with families and made them want to contribute.”
Happy Valley
“My daughter is a Chi Omega and her philanthropy is Make-A-Wish, so helping to plan our fundraiser was a full circle moment for me,” said Tali Stewart, owner of Happy Valley and Morrison Ranch.
“We planned a Touch-A-Truck event with first responders and classic cars in the parking lot and tents with activities like face painting. The families loved it because it was a fun way to bring people together so we can take some of the burden off the wish families we are helping.
“I’ll always remember one of my teachers said the reason they choose early education is because they get a million light bulbs a day working with 3-year-olds,” she continued. “We’re not only changing the lives of wish kids, but introducing philanthropy to our kids at such a young age makes these values deeply rooted as they grow up and keep on giving, too.”
Thank you to The Learning Experience for your support and commitment to the kids and families in your community!
