Michael Jordan celebrated his sixtieth birthday on February 17, 2022, with his typical generous style. He donated $10 million to Make-A-Wish America. This contribution marks the most significant individual gift to the foundation in its 43-year history.
But that was not the first time that Jordan donated to Make-A-Wish. According to a Make-A-Wish Foundation press release, Jordan made his first donation in 1989, granting a wish to a child.
In a press release, Make-A-Wish noted that Jordan had granted hundreds of wishes to children worldwide. Besides that, meeting him is a popular wish request, and he has granted that wish hundreds of times. The Make-A-Wish Foundation named him Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008.
Jordan explained why he gave this wonderfully generous donation:
“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.”
The $10 million will help Make-A-Wish Create an endowment to fund future wishes. This support arrived just after the foundation completed a 2022 Wish Impact Study, indicating that wish granting is integral to the healing process for children with critical illnesses. The Wish Impact Study summarizes that receiving wishes can “increase joy, confidence, self-esteem, and hope for the future, resulting in improved quality of life and better health outcomes,” says the press release.
What Is Make-A-Wish?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 by a group of volunteers in Phoenix, Arizona. The local community formed to grant the final wish of a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius, who had terminal leukemia. Chris wanted to be a police officer, and a group of Arizona Department of Public Safety officers made his wish come true. Chris passed away shortly after his dream came true. But the impact of his wish inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Make-A-Wish co-founder, Tommy Austin, says about Christopher:
“He was only seven years, 269 days old when he died. But he taught me about being a man, even though he was only a boy. And because of meeting him, I’m an entirely different man.”
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions. The organization believes that granting a wish can provide a positive distraction from the difficulties of illness and help create hope, strength, and joy for children and their families.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation works closely with medical professionals, parents, and children to determine the most meaningful wish for each child. Wishes can range from trips to meet their favorite celebrity or athlete to experiences like swimming with dolphins or learning to fly a plane.
Since its founding, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted the wishes of over 500,000 children worldwide. The organization has chapters in over fifty countries and has a network of thousands of volunteers who work to make wishes come true.
The impact of a wish extends beyond the child who receives it. Wishes can provide hope and joy for families facing difficult times and create lasting memories for everyone involved. The Make-A-Wish Foundation believes every child deserves a wish, and they work tirelessly to make that a reality for as many children as possible.
With the help of Make-A-Wish, children all over receive the gift of hope and continue to battle these illnesses–with their granted wishes serving as a beacon of hope.
About Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is a name that has become synonymous with excellence and success in basketball. Most basketball fans consider Jordan one of the greatest basketball players and often call him the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Jordan’s success on and off the court is a testament to his trademark–dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he attended Laney High School. Jordan was the fourth of five children and grew up in a family that valued education, hard work, and determination. Jordan’s father, James Jordan, worked at a General Electric plant, while his mother, Deloris Jordan, worked as a bank teller.
Jordan showed a keen interest in sports from a young age and excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. However, basketball captured his heart. As a result, he spent countless hours practicing and sharpening his skills on the court.
After graduating from Laney High School, Jordan received a scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jordan’s college career was nothing short of outstanding. He led the Tar Heels to a national championship in 1982, hitting the game-winning shot in the final seconds of the title game against Georgetown. He earned the prestigious NCAA College Player of the Year in 1984. Then he became a consensus All-American in 1983 and 1984.
Jordan left college early, drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. But it didn’t take long to make his mark in the NBA, winning the Rookie of the Year award in his first season. Jordan quickly established himself as one of the league’s most exciting players. His high-flying dunks and acrobatic moves won over legions of fans.
Jordan’s career reached new heights in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he led the Bulls to six NBA championships in eight years. Jordan won five MVP awards during this time. He also earned a spot on the Bulls’ All-Star team every season. Jordan’s success on the court made him a global superstar. In fact, he became one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
Besides Make-A-Wish, Jordan Engages in Additional Philanthropy and Charitable Giving
Despite his success on the court, Jordan has also significantly impacted off-court through his philanthropic work and charitable giving. Jordan’s philanthropy focuses on education, health, and social issues. He also established several foundations to support these causes.
One of Jordan’s most significant charitable contributions is the Jordan Institute for Families at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The institute provides training and support for social workers and other professionals working with needy families. Jordan’s contributions have helped to improve the lives of countless families and children in North Carolina and beyond.
Jordan has also strongly advocated education and has established several scholarship programs to support needy students. The Jordan Fundamentals program provides scholarships to students in the Chicago area. In addition, the Jordan Scholars program provides scholarships to students at his alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Jordan has also actively supported social justice causes. He has used his platform to speak out against racial injustice and has supported organizations promoting social and economic equality. Jordan’s contributions to these causes have helped raise awareness and create positive change in communities nationwide.
Final Thoughts on Jordan’s Generous Donation to Make-A-Wish
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has a rich history of granting wishes and providing hope and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Their mission to create positive memories and experiences for children and families has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. As the organization continues to grow and expand, it will undoubtedly continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families for years to come.
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