The NBA icon gave the highest individual donation in the history of Make-A-Wish, according to the charity.
In 2023, Michael Jordan is still shattering records.
In honor of his birthday, the NBA legend, who turns 60 on Friday, gave a record-breаking $10 million to Make-A-Wish America.
According to Make-A-Wish, Jordan’s kind donation is the biggest one-person gift in the organization’s history. This was announced on Wednesday.
“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” Jordan stated in a press release. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
In addition, the legendary Chicago Bulls player stated that he “can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join” him in endorsing the charity. Through the gift, Jordan hopes that “every child” will be able to “experience the magic of having their wish come true.”
Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, praised Jordan for his ability to leave a lasting impact in both on and off the court. “Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court when no one’s watching that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community,” Motter stated in a statement.
“Michael’s use of his birthday to create history for Make-A-Wish is a testament to his high caliber of character and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of kids with life-threatening illnesses. By assisting in the fulfillment of wishes, we seek to inspire the general population to follow in his footsteps.”
“To provide the funds needed to make future wishes possible for kids with critical illnesses,” the foundation stated in a release, the $10 million that Jordan donated will “create an endowment.”
Just two years have passed since Jordan’s initial $10 million commitment to establish two new health facilities in his native North Carolina. The money was donated to Novant Health, which in 2017 had previously gotten $7 million from Jordan.
The Charlotte Hornets owner, Michael Jordan, released a statement saying, “I am very proud to once again partner with Novant Health to expand the Family Clinic model to bring better access to critical medical services in my hometown.” “Everyone should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live, or whether or not they have insurance.”
“Wilmington holds a special place in my heart and it’s truly gratifying to be able to give back to the community that supported me throughout my life,” he stated.
Three years after Jordan’s initial donation, Novant Health inaugurated the second Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in October.