Basketball Legend Michael Jordan’s
Game-changing Investment
If you ask Michael Jordan what sowed the seeds of his success, he’s quick to give credit to his mentors, especially his father and his college coach, Dean Smith. Shortly after learning about our organization in early 2018, Michael Jordan donated his proceeds from three special-edition Nike Michael Jordan Bulls jerseys to Friends of the Children.
“What stood out to me about Friends of the Children was that they employ and train their mentors and that they commit to every child for 12+ years,” says Michael Jordan. “That dedication is important to me. My mentors believed in me and taught me the power of perseverance. I want youth in Friends of the Children to see that they have that same potential.”
Michael Jordan then selected Friends of the Children as a beneficiary of The Last Dance, an ESPN and Netflix 10-part documentary series on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ quest for a sixth championship in 1998.
My mentors believed in me and taught me the power of perseverance. I want youth in Friends of the Children to see that they have that same potential.
– Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan’s multi-year, multimillion dollar gift created an opportunity for Friends of the Children to serve more youth and families across the country, including youth in Chicago, Charlotte, Tampa Bay, New York City, and Los Angeles. The investment also supported the model’s expansion to seven new locations, including Detroit and Salt Lake City.
Michael Jordan then selected Friends of the Children as a beneficiary of The Last Dance, an ESPN and Netflix 10-part documentary series on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ quest for a sixth championship in 1998.
Michael Jordan’s multi-year, multimillion dollar gift created an opportunity for Friends of the Children to serve more youth and families across the country, including youth in Chicago, Charlotte, Tampa Bay, New York City, and Los Angeles. The investment also supported the model’s expansion to seven new locations, including Detroit and Salt Lake City.
“Friends of the Children is honored to be chosen by Michael Jordan as a beneficiary of proceeds from The Last Dance,” said Terri Sorensen, CEO of Friends of the Children. “He understands the power of having a consistent, caring adult in a child’s life who can serve as a role model. His support has directly benefited youth in our program so they can achieve their hopes and dreams, just like he did.”
Michael Jordan’s investment in Friends of the Children has inspired a wave of generosity, propelling the organization into an unprecedented phase of growth and expansion. This momentum continued in 2023 when Gary and Christine Rood donated $33 million to Friends of the Children. The Roods cited the multi-year, multimillion-dollar gift from basketball legend Michael Jordan as their inspiration.
Thanks to these substantial contributions, Friends of the Children is now able to serve more children and families than ever before, furthering our mission of providing consistent, caring professional mentors to youth across the nation. Thank you to Michael Jordan for being an amazing friend to Friends of the Children. We remain incredibly grateful for his generosity and support.
