Six-time NBA champion and basketball legend Michael Jordan has donated an astounding $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the largest individual donation to have ever been made to the foundation since its inception. According to Fox News, Jordan made the donation on his 60th birthday, saying that he couldn’t ask for a better birthday gift than to see the children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation have their wishes come true.
Jordan said in a press release, “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…Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation said that as the man who is “widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time,” Jordan has granted hundreds of wishes himself since 1989. Even today, Jordan remains one of the most requested celebrities for a wish. In 2008, Jordan was named a Make-A-Wish chief wish ambassador.
The president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, Leslie Motter, shared, “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.”
The Make-a-Wish Foundation was organized to bring hope and joy to children suffering from critical illnesses. Through granting wishes, children and their families are given once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to have unforgettable experiences with someone they admire. Jordan’s generous donation will help lessen the time children need to wait to have their wishes fulfilled.
Jordan’s act of generosity and thoughtfulness makes him even more of a role model for youth who have a myriad of reasons to look up to the star athlete. His kindness should inspire others to do the same to make a difference in the lives of those who need uplifting and hope.