Basketball great Michael Jordan has given Make-A-Wish USA a $10 million donation before his birthday on Friday. According to the group, this is the largest individual donation in its 43-year existence.
The NBA player was honored for his support of Make-A-Wish, which grants extraordinary wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses, ever since he fulfilled the organization’s first request in 1989. Jordan has now “granted hundreds of wishes to kids all across the world, becoming one of the all-time most sought celebrity wish granters,” according to the organization.
“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” said Jordan. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true,” the NBA legend, who turns 60 on Friday, said.
Jordan’s gift, according to the charity that grants wishes, would establish an endowment that will help pay for future desires for children with serious diseases.
On the basketball court, Hall of Famer Michael Jordan set a lot of records. He has won the NBA championship six times and has also been an MVP five times and an All Star fourteen times (in 15 seasons). He currently owns the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. He gave $10 million in 2021 to build two new hospitals in North Carolina.
“Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court when no one’s watching that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community,” Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, said. “Michael using his birthday as a chance to make history for Make-A-Wish speaks to the quality of his character and his loyal dedication to making life better for children with critical illnesses.”
Make-A-Wish said it hopes that the public will be inspired to follow in Jordan’s footsteps by helping make wishes come true.