Michael Jordan is famous for his gravity-defying skills on the court as an NBA legend and Hall-of-Famer. What doesn’t always make headlines is Jordan’s generous support of Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Jordan’s commitment to the organization spans 30 years of granting life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses. This year, Make-A-Wish and Jordan celebrate this milestone as well as the hundreds of wishes he has granted and the countless lives changed.
Since Jordan began his involvement with Make-A-Wish in 1989, he has granted hundreds of wishes to children all over the world. In 2008, the sports icon was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador for his unwavering commitment to the organization. Jordan gives more than his time; he has donated and brought in more than $5 million to Make-A-Wish since the partnership began, which moves the organization closer to its vision of granting the wish of every eligible child.
To this day, Jordan remains one of the organization’s most popular wish requests. He inspires wish kids all over the globe, showing them the impossible is possible and inspiring them to reach for new heights. With every wish that Jordan grants, he is reminded of the powerful impact a wish has on a child with a critical illness and their entire family. Jordan is a valuable leader in helping the organization to grant wishes.
“Make-A-Wish is proud to honor the partnership between Michael Jordan and our organization,” said Richard Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Supporters like Michael Jordan are essential in helping Make-A-Wish continue to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. We are enormously grateful to Jordan’s commitment to wish granting and providing the resources needed to grant more wishes.”
Most recently, Jordan sponsored a space in the new Make-A-Wish America headquarters located in Phoenix. The Michael Jordan Conference Room was designed by Jordan Brand, a division of Nike Inc., and is a functional, collaborative space designed to inspire employees.
“It has been an honor to be part of the Make-A-Wish mission these past 30 years,” said Michael Jordan. “After meeting each wish kid, I truly feel humbled and inspired by their strength and their courage. My parents raised me to give back and granting wishes to these brave kids reminds me why it’s so important.”
Wishes like those granted by Jordan help children to replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with strength. Make-A-Wish is immensely appreciative to Jordan for his ongoing dedication to reach above and beyond for wish kids all over the globe.
