4^th Annual Holiday Chorale performed by Young Manalapan Students is Sweet Music and Big Success

Students and Teachers Raise Funds for K.I.D.S. – Kids in Distressed Situations

MANALAPAN, NJ, January 17, 2013 - The Learning Experience of Manalapan, a premiere child development and learning center, announced today the incredible success of their school’s community coming together in the spirit of giving back at the 4^th Annual Holiday Chorale and Art Sale and Auction. The major event took place to a fully packed house with more than 400 in attendance on Tuesday, December 18, 2013 at the Holiday Inn in East Windsor, NJ. The school’s annual chorale is much more than a showcase of students singing, tapping, dancing and twirling to a collection of songs for the holiday season. Each year the event raises funds for a charitable organization as part of the school’s overall philosophy of philanthropy and humanity. Past recipients of the funds raised include New Jersey School for the Deaf, Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, Autism Speaks and The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This year the young students, ranging in ages from infant to 6 years, helped other children just like them but who are struggling from tremendous losses. It was perfect timing in the wake of the disasters of Hurricane Sandy that affected so many Monmouth County families and children. The chorale program raised money for K.I.D.S., Kids in Distressed Situations (www.kidsdonations.org).    

“I could not be more proud of our amazing students and very dedicated teaching staff,” commented Karen Rosen, Co-owner of The Learning Experience of Manalapan. “We begin the planning of our annual event every year over the summer and carefully select a recipient for our fund raising efforts so that the message resonates with our young children. We had no idea the irony of the charitable organization we chose this year.” Rosen explained, “We delicately brought the mission to the classroom to turn it into a humanity lesson and cautiously shared the impact of Hurricane Sandy on their friends. I love hearing the children’s stories about their personal fund raising efforts and I’m deeply touched when a student brings in their own piggy bank for the cause – which we of course immediately return to the parents! I am honored to play a role in our students’ education whether they plan to pursue pre-med, pre-law or philanthropy. This may be pre-school, but it’s the beginning of something new every day here at our school. It is very special to see how our program has come together.” 

The students through different appeals raised money for K.I.D.S. during the entire month of December with the big push taking place at the holiday chorale. The event opened with a meet-and-greet reception where handmade artwork projects were sold to guests. Tables adorned with more than 300 pieces of child made arts and crafts were sold for $0.50 - $2.00. The students of The Learning Experience of Manalapan worked for weeks on their special projects and eager parents purchased the artwork knowing the funds were going to a good cause.

Giving was in the air and acts of kindness were contagious. A 50/50 raffle was held during the event, but The Masucci Family of Monmouth County immediately shared the proceeds as they were called as winners. After the headline show which included Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Hanukah Bamba, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, and Winter Wonderland to name a few song selections, larger pieces of child inspired artwork such as a life-sized snowman created by the Pre-schoolers, gingerbread houses designed by Kindergarteners and a wreath made from handprints by the Prepper class were auctioned. It was a very successful evening to compliment the students’ month long drive. 

Earlier this month, after counting every last penny, the school’s Co-owners Dawn Lego and Karen Rosen presented K.I.D.S. with a handsome check.  “I marvel at the success of this very special program,” commented Ainell Pena, Marketing and Events Manager for The Learning Experience of Manalapan. “Our students are very little, but they stood tall and displayed maturity beyond their years on that magical night in December to make a big impact toward helping their peers in need. It really makes you stop and think about what all of us can do and the power we possess in the spirit of giving back.” 

The school also took Hurricane Sandy relief one step further offering new families with severe losses the opportunity to enroll their children at the center on a temporary or permanent basis for a 6 month special rate. The school’s relief program runs through March 31, 2013.  

“I could not be more thankful to the parents, teaching staff and exceptional students at our school,” commented Dawn Lego, Co-owner of The Learning Experience of Manalapan. “It is only with everyone’s support that we could attain such wonderful success at our holiday chorale. I am inspired by the popularity of this tradition and how parents, teachers and community come together during a very busy time to sing the joys of the seasons and work together to raise money for a critical mission.” Lego further stated, “We go far beyond teaching ABCs and 123s at our center. Karen and I aspire to have the finest teaching experience and care for infants, preschoolers and kindergarteners in Monmouth County. Amongst many other fine programs, humanity has always been part of our curriculum. I am confident that together we have delivered a strong foundation for our precious students and a program to be remembered for many years to come.” 

The tag line for K.I.D.S. reads, “Giving Back in Brand New Ways.” The students of The Learning Experience of Manalapan proved their song is a brand new way to give back to their young friends.  

About The Learning Experience of Manalapan
The Learning Experience of Manalapan is a premiere child learning and development center located on a beautiful and private 4 acre wooded land at the Manalapan/Freehold border. Home to Bubbles Journaling, Bubbles' Stars, Bubbles Museum, Hearts4Heart, Bubbles' Specials, and Bubbles Birthday Club, the unique center offers exceptional curriculum including clever and fun phonics program, innovative enrichment, and unique activities for children ages 6 months to 6 years. Open year round with before and after care and complimented with a progressive KidZone Summer Camp, the center serves families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Visit www.thelearningexperience.com or call 1-732-462-0015. For private tours, contact Ainell Pena at ainellatmanalapan@gmail.com.