(CNN) Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan donates to Make-A-Wish America in honor of his upcoming 60th birthday.
The donation is the largest from a single individual in the foundation’s 43-year history.
Jordan, who turns 60 on Friday, hopes his donation will inspire others to support Make-A-Wish.
“For the past 34 years it has been an honor to work with Make-A-Wish and help bring smiles and happiness to so many children,” the Charlotte Hornets owner said in a statement.
“Seeing her strength and resilience at such a difficult time in her life was truly an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday present than to see others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”
The first wish that Jordan granted happened in 1989. According to the organization, he “fulfilled hundreds of wishes for children around the world.”
Jordan was named a Make-A-Wish Ambassador in 2008 “because of the life-changing impact he’s had on wish children and their families.”
“Michael’s use of his birthday as an opportunity to make history for Make-A-Wish speaks to the quality of his character and his true commitment to improving the lives of children living with serious illnesses,” said Leslie Motter, Make President and CEO -A -Wish America.
“We hope the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping to make wishes come true.”
Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA, winning five MVP awards and winning six titles before retiring for the last time in 2003.
He has landed lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Hanes, Gatorade, and Upper Deck, among others, and has donated millions to social and charitable causes over the years.