5 Celebrity Wish Granters Who Are Making a Difference

Every year, the Wishmaker’s Ball in Jacksonville gathers a compassionate community dedicated to fulfilling life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This signature fundraiser gala for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™ celebrates not only the magic of wishes but also the power of those who help bring them to life.

While countless donors, volunteers, and supporters contribute to making wishes come true, some of the most well-known champions of Make-A-Wish are celebrities who go above and beyond to create moments of joy for wish kids. These stars don’t just meet young fans—they bring hope, strength, and unforgettable memories to children and families during their most challenging times.

In this blog, we’ll highlight five inspiring celebrity wish granters who have made a significant impact by granting wishes and supporting Make-A-Wish’s mission. Their generosity reminds us that the gift of giving can truly transform lives, offering a light in even the darkest moments.

 

John Cena

When it comes to making dreams come true, John Cena stands out as a true hero. With a record-setting 650+ wishes granted, Cena has made history as the most requested celebrity in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s history. His commitment is unmatched—whether he’s visiting a wish kid at the hospital, spending time with a young fan at a WWE event, or simply offering words of encouragement, Cena consistently goes above and beyond to bring joy to children facing critical illnesses.

What makes Cena’s involvement so inspiring is not just the number of wishes he’s granted, but his genuine dedication. In interviews, he has expressed how honored he feels to be part of the Make-A-Wish mission. He’s even said that no matter what he’s doing, he’s always ready to drop everything to grant a wish, describing the opportunity as “the coolest thing” he could ever do.

Cena’s unwavering support for Make-A-Wish goes beyond individual visits—his efforts have helped raise awareness about the power of a wish and inspired countless others to get involved. He’s more than just a superstar to wish kids; he’s a symbol of hope and kindness, proving that the smallest gestures of compassion can leave the greatest impact.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, renowned for his legendary basketball career, has also made significant contributions off the court, particularly through his support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since beginning his partnership with the organization in 1989, Jordan has been instrumental in granting hundreds of wishes.

In honor of his 60th birthday, Jordan made a historic donation of $10 million to Make-A-Wish America—the largest individual contribution in the organization’s 43-year history. This generous gift aims to establish an endowment to fund future wishes, ensuring that countless more children can experience the magic of having their dreams come true.

Beyond financial contributions, Jordan’s personal involvement has left a lasting impact on wish kids and their families. His dedication to making life better for children with critical illnesses exemplifies the profound difference one individual can make, both through personal engagement and philanthropic support.

Kelsea Ballerini
By Jana BeamerCC BY 2.0

Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini has brought joy and inspiration to children through her involvement with Make-A-Wish. One particularly heartwarming moment came when Ballerini granted the wish of a young girl named Holin, who dreamed of singing with her favorite artist. During a concert in Pensacola, Ballerini invited Holin on stage, where they performed together, creating an unforgettable memory for the young wish kid.

Beyond that special night, Ballerini’s connection with Holin didn’t end there. Inspired by her own wish experience, Holin now hosts an annual Holin-Days Concert to raise money for Make-A-Wish, ensuring that other children facing critical illnesses can have their own life-changing wishes granted. This ongoing tradition highlights how a single act of kindness can spark a ripple effect of generosity and hope.

Ballerini’s warmth and generosity exemplify the power of granting wishes—not just by creating magical moments, but by inspiring others to give back. Her dedication reminds us that every small act of kindness can leave a lasting impact.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus has been a devoted supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting countless wishes and bringing smiles to children facing critical illnesses. Recognized for her generosity and compassion, Cyrus was honored with the First Annual World Wish Day® Award in 2012, highlighting her significant contributions to granting wishes and supporting the foundation’s mission.

Over the years, Cyrus has gone above and beyond by meeting with wish kids, offering them memorable experiences filled with joy and excitement. Whether it’s through backstage meet-and-greets or personal interactions, Cyrus’s dedication to making a difference has left a lasting impact on the lives of many children and their families.

Her ongoing involvement exemplifies the power of kindness and the importance of showing up for those in need. By using her platform to raise awareness and grant wishes, Miley Cyrus continues to inspire others to support Make-A-Wish and help bring hope and happiness to children during difficult times.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman has brought countless moments of joy to children through his involvement with Make-A-Wish, making dreams come true for young fans around the world. Known for his roles as a larger-than-life hero on screen, Jackman has shown he’s just as much of a hero in real life. Whether it’s surprising a fan on a movie set or taking time out of his busy schedule to meet wish kids, Jackman’s kindness and compassion shine through.

One particularly touching moment occurred when Jackman surprised a young fan named Dominic, who was battling cystic fibrosis. Dominic’s wish was to meet the actor who brought his favorite character, Wolverine, to life. Jackman not only called Dominic, he surprised him in-person, creating a magical moment that left a lasting impression on the young fan.

Jackman’s generosity and warmth remind us that even simple gestures can have a profound impact on children facing critical illnesses. His ongoing support for Make-A-Wish continues to inspire and uplift, making him a beloved figure among wish kids and their families.

 

Help Us Make a Difference

While stars like these play an important role in making wishes come true, you don’t need to be a celebrity to create life-changing moments for children. Every wish granted is powered by the kindness of people like you—dedicated donors and volunteers who give their time, resources, and support to help Make-A-Wish fulfill its mission.

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida is always in need of generous supporters and compassionate volunteers. Whether you can contribute financially, volunteer at events, or spread awareness, your involvement can help transform a child’s life by granting a wish that offers hope, strength, and joy during challenging times.

Ready to make an impact? Contact your local chapter to learn how you can help grant more wishes and bring light to the lives of children with critical illnesses. Together, we can keep making dreams come true—one wish at a time.