The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational is bringing joy to numerous seriously ill children whose wishes will be granted this year, thanks to a $140,000 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Jordan, the Foundation’s Chief Wish Ambassador, presented the donation to Make-A-Wish representatives at Kerzner International’s Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas last week. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, James R. Jordan Foundation and Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation are the main beneficiaries of the ninth-annual charity golf event, which will distribute more than $500,000 to selected charities this year.
“We are honored to receive this generous donation from Michael, Kerzner International and everyone involved with the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “Last year’s contribution from this terrific event funded the wishes of nearly 30 children with life-threatening medical conditions. They were able to enjoy unforgettable moments and the hope, strength and joy that come with a wish experience.”
One of the special guests at the presentation was wish kid Travis Meserve, 18, of South Portland, Maine. Meserve, who is being treated for a rare lung disease, also tossed out the ceremonial first pitch for the Michael Jordan Celebrity Softball Challenge on Thursday.
“It gives me no greater pleasure than to see wish kids like Travis enjoy their moment and forget about all of the hardships they are going through because of their illnesses,” Jordan said. “It’s gratifying to be able to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant even more children’s wishes through our charitable commitment.”
Jordan himself has granted more than 180 wishes since 1988. As Chief Wish Ambassador, he serves as lead figure for the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Wish Ambassador Council and as a national spokesman, assisting the Foundation’s efforts to increase wish-granting outreach.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Wish Ambassador Council is composed of people who are passionate about the Foundation’s work, including the Make-A-Wish founders, celebrities and national sports figures such as Jordan, former wish children, wish parents and Foundation supporters.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has increased its number of wishes granted each year since 1985, including 13,465 wishes in fiscal year 2009, the most in its 29-year history.
