CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan is celebrating his 60th birthday on Friday by making a $10 million donation to Make-A-Wish.
It is the largest donation ever received from an individual in the organization’s 43-year history.
Jordan’s hope is that his decision to celebrate his birthday by donating to Make-A-Wish will inspire others to help fulfill the wishes of the kids still waiting for their wishes to come true.
“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. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
He has granted hundreds of wishes to children all over the world and remains one of the most requested celebrity wish-granters. He was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008 for what the organization called the “life-changing impacts he has had on wish kids and their families.”
“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,” Jordan said.
Jordan has been a supporter of Make-A-Wish since 1989. Make-A-Wish America makes the dreams of ill children come true and says on its website that donors are “giving children renewed strength to fight their illnesses, bringing families closer together and uniting entire communities.”
Make-A-Wish said in a news release that Jordan has “granted hundreds of wishes to children all over the world, becoming one of the all-time most requested celebrity wish granters.”
The cause clearly is close to the heart of Jordan, who has five children.
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, agreed.
“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,” Motter said. “We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true.”
