Michael Jordan is donating $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, in what the charity said is the largest donation from an individual in its 43-year history.
The basketball star has been working with Make-A-Wish since 1989, when he first participated in the program, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Since then, Mr. Jordan has become one of the most requested celebrities, the foundation said. In March alone, he’s scheduled to meet with nine children, the organization said.
Mr. Jordan said in a statement Wednesday that the donation coincides with his 60th birthday on Friday and he hopes it inspires others to donate.
“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 said.
Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish grants wishes to critically ill children that are referred to the foundation by doctors, parents or other relatives. Wishes have included meeting a celebrity, getting a puppy or going on a trip. Make-A-Wish says it has granted more than 360,000 wishes in the U.S.
Leslie Motter, president and chief executive of Make-A-Wish America, said Mr. Jordan’s donation will help pay for wishes that children are waiting to be granted. The donation has no restrictions, Ms. Motter said, and can be used for any wishes, not just ones related to Mr. Jordan or basketball.
She said the foundation gets more wishes than it has the money for. “Donations like this are huge for us,” Ms. Motter said.
Mr. Jordan, a six time NBA champion who played for the Chicago Bulls for 13 seasons, has an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion, according to Forbes, in part due to his line of Air Jordan sneakers and clothing with Nike Inc. His other business ventures include owning NBA team the Charlotte Hornets.
