The 2011 Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, hosted by Las Vegas’ ARIA Resort & Casino last month, supported the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions with a $100,000 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Michael Jordan, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Chief Wish Ambassador, presented the donation to Make-A-Wish representatives during the annual charity golf event at Shadow Creek. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nevada Cancer Institute, James R. Jordan Foundation and Cats Care, the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats’ charity arm, are benefiting charities this year.
The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational has raised more than $5 million for charity since 2001, including $455,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 2009.
“A wish experience brings more happiness to wish children and makes them stronger, more energetic and more willing to fight against their life-threatening medical conditions,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “We are grateful for this donation and the continuing commitment from Michael and the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational to empower children through our wish-granting mission.”
Jordan also granted the wish of 16-year-old Marc Garcia of Kunkeltown, Pa., who requested to meet his basketball idol. The pair chatted during private meeting at Shadow Creek, Jordan signed several autographs for Garcia and then gave the novice golfer some putting tips on the practice green – Garcia sank his first putt from 15 feet to the delight of the assembled crowd.
“It was an honor to grant Marc’s wish and enable everyone associated with the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational to see how their commitment is helping young people like him realize their fondest wish,” Jordan said. “I’ve seen over and over how the Make-A-Wish Foundation brings happiness and positively impacts a child’s life with an unforgettable wish experience. Through our charitable efforts, more children will see their wishes come true.”
Jordan is one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s most-requested celebrity wish granters, fulfilling the wishes of more than 185 children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1988. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has increased its number of wishes granted each year since 1985, including 13,580 wishes in fiscal year 2010, the most in its history.
