Michael Jordan Makes Record $10M Donation To Make-A-Wish Foundation

CHICAGO — Former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest — if not the greatest — basketball players of all-time. But now, Jordan tops another list after the NBA legend made the largest contribution to one of the country’s most recognizable charitable organizations.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation announced on Wednesday that Jordan had donated $10 million to the charity which is known for fulfilling dreams of children dealing with serious health issues and terminal diseases. Jordan, who owns the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, made the donation two days before he turns 60 on Friday.

Jordan has had a working relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 1989 and has become one of the charity’s most sought-after celebrities when it comes to wishes being requested by children, the organization said on Wednesday.

In 2008, the six-time NBA champion was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador for the life-changing impact he has had on wish kids and their families, the company said.

“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 statement released by the organization. “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 company said that Jordan’s donation will create an endowment to provide the funds needs to make future wishes possible for kids with critical illnesses.

Jordan’s $10 million donation is the largest from an individual in the organization’s 43-year history. The organization said that the financial commitment to the wish-granting organization is the latest way he has actively supported Make-A-Wish for more than 30 years.

Officials said that it is their wish that Jordan’s decision to celebrate his birthday by donating to Make-A-Wish will inspire others to help Make-A-Wish close the gap in the number of wish kids who are waiting for their wishes to come true.

Jordan’s 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. Wish alumni and medical professionals who participated in the study agree that wishes can increase joy, confidence, self-esteem and hope for the future, resulting in improved quality of life and better health outcomes, the company said.

“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,” Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America said in a news release. “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.”