Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, made history on his 60th birthday when he donated a whopping $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“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,” Jordan said in a news release, according to the Associated Press. “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 60-year-old notable athlete added.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980, has never received this substantial of a donation since its beginning. Needless to say, the company is elated over the basketball player’s involvement in “life-changing impacts” that asset children and their families.
After quickly rising to fame in 1984 for his position on the Chicago Bulls, Jordan went on to grant his first wish through the foundation in 1989. Since then, he has granted hundreds of wishes and continues to be one of the organization’s most highly requested celebrities by wish recipients.
In fact, an 11-year-old girl named Katie, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had a passion for basketball, requested to meet Jordan through Make-A-Wish. After their meeting, she cited Jordan as her reason for making it through treatment.
“Thinking about [meeting Michael] helped me get through all of my treatments,” Katie said. “It gave me something else to dream about and think about.”
Make-A-Wish Foundation sends love to NBA Star Michael Jordan
“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, shared in a statement.
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“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,” she continued. “We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true.”
While Jordan now holds the record as the largest donor to the organization, John Cena continues to hold the record for most wishes granted, of which he has granted over 600.
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