Old Bridge Mayor and children from The Learning Experience host art auction & raise $2,000 for Make-A-Wish

Children at The Learning Experience®, the nation’s fastest growing Academy of Early Education for children six weeks to six years old, in Old Bridge raised $2,000 for Make-A-Wish® during the academy’s 5th Annual Nationwide BeCause Our Hearts Beat philanthropic initiative. Part of The Learning Experience’s first-of-its-kind proprietary philanthropy curriculum, the center hosted an auction of heart-themed art created by the students as well as donated items from local businesses to raise awareness and funds for Make-A-Wish.

Tying the curriculum designed to teach the core tenets of selflessness, generosity, and giving, all proceeds from the fundraiser attended by community members, parents, and the Mayor of Old Bridge, Owen Henry, were donated to Make-A-Wish to help grant “wishes” of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.

“All our students were excited to create their art pieces in support of such a great organization,” said Jyoti Jhurani, Center Owner and Director of The Learning Experience in Old Bridge. “We especially want to thank all the parents who donated as well as the local businesses that contributed to the event’s success.”

In addition to raising thousands of dollars for various charities across the country, The Learning Experience Corporate has raised $1.5 million for Make-A-Wish to-date, its partner in creating its 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,” said Jennifer Murray, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations with The Learning Experience. “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 GreyhoundÔ and Charity ChihuahuaÔ, 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.

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.

For more information, please visit www.thelearningexperience.com.