News Feature - Make-A-Wish Foundation® Receives $140,000 Donation from Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
Travis unleashed a strike as he threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational.
NASSAU, Bahamas – There were plenty of stars on the beachfront ball diamond for the Michael Jordan Celebrity Softball Challenge at Kerzner International’s Atlantis, Paradise Island resort Thursday. But it was wish kid Travis who shined brightest.
An 18-year-old from Maine, Travis tossed the ceremonial first pitch for the exhibition game, played as part of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational charity golf event. He also helped accept a $140,000 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation from Jordan, the Foundation’s Chief Wish Ambassador, and the game’s team captains, baseball superstars Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, James R. Jordan Foundation and Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation are the main beneficiaries of the ninth-annual event, which will distribute more than $500,000 to selected charities this year.
Travis, who is being treated for a rare lung disease, loved the opportunity to take the field and deliver a perfect strike to 12-time all-star catcher Mike Piazza before a crowd of more than 1,500 spectators.
“Everything was awesome!” he said with a huge smile after the game. “I was a little nervous before I went out there, but I wasn’t when I got ready to throw.”
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.
Travis and former 12-time All-Star Mike Piazza pose after the ceremonial first pitch.
“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.”
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.
 |
  |
 |
|