Michael Jordan is donating $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to mark his 60th birthday.
The six-time NBA champion who is a household name in multiple sports is turning 60 on Friday, March 17th. To celebrate, he’s making the single largest donation to Make-A-Wish that the organization has ever received.
Make-A-Wish Foundation, the organization that helps fulfill the wishes of children with critical or terminal illnesses, was founded the same year Michael Jordan first played college basketball – 1980. Getting to meet him was soon a popular request. Nine years later, already a heavily-awarded Olympic athlete, he first supported the foundation with a large donation. By now, he’s granted over 300 wishes for them, and raised millions.
The new donation, a jaw-dropping $10 million, makes Michael Jordan the largest donor – and not just in stature – the organization has ever had.
“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 hopes that his donation will inspire others. Due to budget limits, many children are on years-long waitlists to have their wishes granted. More money means that list can be completed more quickly.
“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.
Currently the owner of the NBA team Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan is worth an estimated $1.7 billion. He has a history of stunning generosity, including funding a series of family health clinics in North Carolina, donating millions towards the cause of racial equity, and to disaster relief.
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