Make-A-Wish kid Donovan had his wish to meet Michael Jordan granted in 2009.
Michael Jordan is celebrating his 60th trip around the sun with generosity and kindness!
The NBA legend, whose birthday is coming up on January 17, has made a record-setting donation of $10 million to Make-A-Wish America. According to the Foundation, which works to bring joy to seriously ill children and their families through gifted experiences and celebrity meet ups, Jordan’s gift is the largest donation made by an individual in their 43-year history.
“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honour to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” he says in a statement. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
He adds that he hopes others wanting to celebrate his milestone birthday, might consider making their own donations too: “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.”
Katie had the chance to meet Michael Jordan for her wish in 2000. The experience was so impactful that she joined Make-A-Wish as a full-time staff member for nearly 5 years.
Jordan’s been supporting the foundation since 1989 and has granted hundreds of wishes to kids all over the world. The Foundation says he’s “one of the all-time most requested celebrity wish granters.”
In fact, in 2008, the organisation named him Chief Wish Ambassador “for the life-changing impact he has had on wish kids and their families.”
Leslie Motter, the Foundation’s President and CEO shared his gratitude for Jordan’s consistent efforts behind-the-scenes:
“Everyone knows 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. 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.”
The epic donation will be used to fund future wishes, with a recent impact study confirming that they bring “joy, confidence, self-esteem and hope to children” resulting in an improvement in their quality of life and better health outcomes.
(Photos courtesy Make-A-Wish America)
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