Justin Bieber, over the weekend, became the first recording artist in Make-A-Wish history to grant 200 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
He joins only 4 other celebrities to have reached that milestone since Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980.
Bieber’s 200th wish occurred during his last stop on the Believe Tour this past Saturday at Atlanta’s Philips Arena when he met 8-year-old Annalysha. Bieber spent time backstage with Annalysha where she received VIP treatment during the concert as part of her wish to meet him.
Bieber’s involvement with Make-A-Wish started in 2009 in Los Angeles when he granted his first wish. Since then, he has granted a wish at nearly every tour stop where he visits with wish kids and their families, takes photographs and signs autographs before they attend his concert. The tickets, which provide the wish kids and their families prime seating, are generously purchased by Bieber.
In addition to Bieber’s wish granting efforts, he has made significant contributions to the organization. In 2012, he earmarked Make-A-Wish as a charity of choice for his Believe Campaign and donated a portion of proceeds from sales of his Christmas album as well as perfume sales during the holiday season.
“Despite his relentless schedule, Justin has been genuinely committed to granting wishes since the very beginning and a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish,” said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Justin understands the impact on a child of a wish-come-true and how it can create positive changes in their outlook, help them feel better, and even influence their health.”
In 2011, Make-A-Wish presented Bieber with the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, one of the most prestigious awards the organization gives out each year. As his popularity continues, Bieber and his team will continue to create smiles and life-changing memories in the months and years to come as there are many more wish kids scheduled to meet him in the future.
