Michael Jordan is turning 60 on February 17 and has chosen a noble cause to celebrate the occasion. The Basketball legend has donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish foundation. The amount is said to be the largest donation made by an individual to the organization in its 43 year history.
Jordan has dedicated his contribution to children with life-threatening illnesses. The former player, who has an estimated net worth of $2 billion, has made a number of donations to charity over the years. He first supported Make-A-Wish in 1989.
Michael Jordan Donates $10 Million To Make-A-Wish
Jordan, who has worked closely with the organization for over 30 years, says that his contribution will also inspire others to help kids ‘who are waiting for their wishes to come true.’ The player also released 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. 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,” he added.
Thanking Jordan, the organization said, “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.”
The Former Player Became Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008
Make-A-Wish has said that Jordan remains one of their most popular wish requests since his first donation in 1989. Due to his efforts to provide a better future for underprivileged children, he was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008.
“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,” President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, Leslie Motter stated.
“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,” she continued.
Jordan has Made Generous Donations to Charity in Recent Years
Apart from his long and successful NBA career, Jordan is also known for his generosity. Apart from Make-A-Wish, he has also made considerable donations to a number of other charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
In 2020, he committed $50 million to organizations dedicated to racial equality. He also raised $2 million for Feeding America, a non-profit company aimed at feeding people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The former player has been able to generate huge wealth due to his association with Nike and other corporate partners.
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