Everybody loves the Make-A-Wish Foundation; you?d have to be heartless not to. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, founded April 29, 1980, grants ?wishes,? or experiences, to terminally ill children. Whether they?re sending a kid to Disneyland for the first time, or to see their favorite baseball team play, or even to be Batman for a day, Make-A-Wish stories are sure to warm the coldest of hearts.
One popular Make-A-Wish category: celebrity meetings. Since its inception, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has orchestrated meet-ups between kids and the famous person they look up to, whether it be an actor, musician, athlete, or comedian. While some stars might participate only to make themselves look good, most of the time it is a positive experience for everyone.
Here is a non-comprehensive list of celebrities who frequent the Make-A-Wish Foundation:
- John Cena
Photo by Wish.org
To say WWE Superstar John Cena is a fan of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is an understatement. Cena has single-handedly granted nearly 600 wishes, currently holding the record for highest number of wishes fulfilled. The professional wrestler?s catchphrase in the ring, ?never give up,? holds new meaning for these children, who are fighting against their illness every day.
In an interview with The Today Show, Cena talked about his experience with the children, saying, ?It?s a spectacular thing? When you give them happiness, they get an escape. You don?t know the power of hope. Hope can equate to time and that?s absolutely priceless.?
2. Justin Bieber
Photo by Wish.org
Pop star Justin Bieber has a love-hate relationship with the media; one week they?re congratulating him and Hailey Bieber on tying the knot, the next they?re condemning him for his apparently boring and overpriced clothing line. Rough past aside, it?s hard to deny that his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is admirable.
Over the course of six years working with the foundation, Bieber has granted more than 250 wishes, the number still rising. In 2010 Bieber even featured four Wish kids in a music video for his song ?Pray.?
3. Michael Jordan
Source: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images North America
It?s no surprise that Michael Jordan, considered by many to be the best basketball player of all time, is one of the most requested wishes. Even after he retired from professional sports, the requests kept coming; in 2013, the Make-A-Wish Foundation recognized Jordan for granting over 200 wishes.
Jordan is no rookie at charity work; he has donated or worked with foundations such as the Boys? and Girls? Clubs of America, United Negro College Fund, the Special Olympics and over 15 other non-profit organizations.
4. Hulk Hogan
Photo by PerthNow, Alf Sorbello
Though not as popular now, Hulk Hogan was the most requested celebrities in the 1980s, at the height of his professional wrestling career. According to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hogan has granted over 200 wishes. Not near as many as pro-wrestling contender John Cena, but, hey, it?s not a competition.
5. Jonas Brothers
Photo by Wish.org
Together, Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas have granted over 130 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The trio often gives wish kids tickets to their concerts, with backstage and VIP access. Their dedication is apparent, meeting wish kids even on Joe Jonas? birthday (hence the cake costume). For their commitment, the Make-A-Wish Foundation awarded them the 21st annual Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, an award given to celebrities for outstanding wish granting.
6. Selena Gomez
Photo by Wish.org
Giving Justin Bieber a run for his money is ex-girlfriend, actress and recording artist Selena Gomez. She became a popular request in 2007 when her Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place first aired. For her dedication, the foundation also recognized her with the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award in 2012.
Make-A-Wish reported in 2013 that Gomez granted over 90 wishes. Now, in 2019, the number is most likely even higher.
It?s not a competition, but if it was, these celebrities would definitely be winning.
Click to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
