For his 60th birthday, NBA legend Michael Jordan decided to pay it forward. Jordan, whose birthday is Feb. 17, made a $10 million donation to help children in need.
According to Make-A-Wish, the individual donation is the largest in its 43-year history. Jordan has actively supported the organization since 1989 and granted numerous wishes.
Make-A-Wish president and CEO Leslie Motter was excited to make the historic announcement. Motter expressed gratitude for all of Jordan’s contributions to the organization.
‘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,’ Motter said in a statement via Penn Live.
‘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.’
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Jordan is also a Chief Wish Ambassador with the organization. He joins a lengthy list of athletes that have worked to make dreams come true. Last year, WWE wrestler and actor John Cena set the record for most wishes granted by a celebrity.
‘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 via the Associated Press.
Make-A-Wish continues to grow each year. The organization aims to make life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and remains committed to impacting families across the world. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted over 550,000 wishes in over 50 countries.