Basketball superstar Michael Jordan has made the biggest personal donation ever recorded in the history of the Make-A-Wish foundation.
On the occasion of his 60th birthday on February 17th, basketball icon Michael Jordan demonstrated the joy of giving by making a record-breaking donation of $10 million to Make-A-Wish America. This generous contribution is the largest donation made by an individual in the organization’s 43-year history, and it highlights Jordan’s longstanding dedication to the wish-granting charity which he has actively supported for over three decades. The hope is that Jordan’s decision to celebrate his milestone birthday by donating to Make-A-Wish will inspire others to join the cause and help close the gap in the number of wish kids who are waiting for their dreams to come true
Jordan’s support for Make-A-Wish dates back to the first wish he granted in 1989. In the years since, he has granted hundreds of wishes to children all over the world, becoming one of the all-time most requested celebrity wish granters. He remains one of the organization’s most popular wish requests. In 2008, he was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador for the life-changing impact he has had on wish kids and their families.
“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 Michael 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.”
“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,” said Leslie Motter, president, and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “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. We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true.”
Jordan’s donation will create an endowment to provide the funds needs to make future wishes possible for kids with critical illnesses. His support comes on the heels of a recent 2022 Wish Impact Study that indicates that wishes can play an important part in the healing process. Wish alumni and medical professionals who participated in the study agree that wishes can increase joy, confidence, self-esteem, and hope for the future, resulting in improved quality of life and better health outcomes.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish is an organization that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. It was founded in Phoenix, Arizona, and has gained a reputation as the most reliable non-profit organization operating locally in every state across the United States. With the support of numerous donors, supporters, staff, and over 24,000 volunteers nationwide, Make-A-Wish can provide hope and happiness to children and their families during the most trying times.
The organization aims to bring the power of wishing to every critically ill child, as wish experiences can have a positive impact on both their emotional and physical well-being. Since its inception in 1980, It has fulfilled over 550,000 wishes in 50 countries around the world, with over 360,000 of those wishes granted in the United States and its territories alone.
History of Make-A-Wish Foundation
The idea for Make-A-Wish Foundation was born in 1980 when a young boy named Chris Greicius was diagnosed with leukemia. Chris dreamed of becoming a police officer, and in response, a group of police officers in Arizona came together to make his dream a reality. They made Chris an honorary police officer, complete with a uniform and a badge, and took him on a ride in a police helicopter. Chris passed away shortly thereafter, but his dream had been fulfilled, and the seed for Make-A-Wish Foundation had been planted.
The organization was officially established in 1983, and since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon. With chapters in 50 countries around the world, Make-A-Wish Foundation has fulfilled more than 500,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses. The organization is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and has a staff of over 1,200 people who work to grant wishes every day.
How it Works
Make-A-Wish Foundation works by bringing together a team of volunteers who are dedicated to making the dreams of critically ill children come true. The organization’s volunteers include wish-granters, who work with the children and their families to identify their greatest wish; fundraisers, who help raise the funds needed to grant the wishes; and sponsors, who provide the resources needed to make the wishes a reality.
Once a child’s wish has been identified, It works with local partners to make it happen. These partners may include businesses, organizations, and individuals who donate their time, resources, and expertise to help grant the wish. In some cases, It also partners with other organizations to provide ongoing support to children with critical illnesses and their families.
The Impact of Make-A-Wish Foundation
Its impact on the lives of critically ill children and their families cannot be overstated. For many children, their greatest wish is a source of hope and motivation during the most difficult time in their lives. The fulfillment of that wish brings joy, happiness, and a renewed sense of purpose to both the child and their family. In addition, research has shown that wish experiences can have a positive impact on the emotional and physical health of children with critical illnesses.
Make-A-Wish Foundation has received numerous accolades and awards for its work, including being named one of the top-rated charities in the United States by Charity Navigator. The organization has also been recognized by numerous celebrities and public figures who have supported its mission, including basketball legend Michael Jordan, who made a record-breaking donation of $10 million to the organization in 2019.
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a truly remarkable organization that has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of children with critical illnesses. Through the tireless work of its volunteers and the support of its partners, the organization has made it possible for countless children to experience the joy and hope of having their greatest wish granted. As the organization continues to grow and expand, it is sure to touch the lives of many more children and their families in the years to come.