Farmington Hills preschool raises $10,905 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Farmington Hills collected $10,905 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort blended fundraising with classroom activities to teach young children about kindness, empathy and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned early childhood education into a hands-on lesson in philanthropy. - The $10,905 raised will support Make-A-Wish efforts for children living with critical illnesses. - The program shows how preschool classrooms can connect learning with community impact.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Farmington Hills raised $10,905 during the center’s month-long April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign. - The fundraising benefited Make-A-Wish. - Children took part in letters, events and classroom activities tied to the campaign. - Center leaders Samantha Rea, Jennifer Bennetts and Albert Samaan guided the effort alongside mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua.

The details: - The campaign helped grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The preschool said the effort reflects its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families and the communities it serves. - The campaign is part of the school’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The school said children learn that small acts of giving can strengthen their communities. - The initiative also taught compassion and helping others through real-world participation. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company wants to provide early education that goes beyond academics and help inspire future philanthropists. - The Learning Experience said families, staff and children across its centers have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018.

Between the lines: - The Farmington Hills campaign doubles as a brand example of how the company folds philanthropy into its curriculum. - The Make-A-Wish partnership gives the preschool a visible way to turn abstract social-emotional learning into a measurable outcome. - The national fundraising total suggests the campaign is a recurring part of the company’s broader community strategy.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue using the annual campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company is also growing nationally, with more than 480 centers open and more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser became both a community donation drive and a lesson in empathy for young children.