The TLE Annual Family Costume Parade

By Eliza Hallabeck

The Learning Experience (TLE) of Newtown held its annual family costume parade on Friday, October 26, and the night was also a celebration of a new partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Kim Smith and Linda Peterson with Make-A-Wish were there for the event, and a booth for the organization was set up near TLE’s entrance for eventgoers to learn about Make-A-Wish and for donations.

According to TLE of Newtown owner and operator Danielle Van Riper, roughly 200 people were expected for the event. Before the night’s costume parade began, when children and parents walked to the different businesses in the South Main Street Plaza, children and families gathered in their classrooms.

Ms Van Riper said TLE is attempting to raise enough money to grant one wish to a child in need, approximately $6,000, by the end of this year. All money raised during the event will be donated to Make-A-Wish.

Nearly half-way through the event, Ms Smith said, “It’s going very well. A child’s name gets put on a star (for each donation) and we are making a wall of stars.”

Families were also able to purchase their own kits during the night to help them raise money among their friends and family members.

To each family who raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ms Van Riper said TLE is donating one week of “free” tuition at TLE.