(BPT) - WWE is famously known for its high-energy matches and larger-than-life Superstars. The organization has an incredible talent for entertaining and captivating audiences of all ages around the world. The company also has a long history of giving back and providing special experiences for deserving community members.
One partnership that WWE is incredibly proud of is its longstanding connection to Make-A-Wish. Over the past 40 years, WWE has granted more than 6,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses and, more importantly, created hope and renewed energy for wish kids and their families.
Wrestling with a purpose
This past April, to celebrate WWE and Make-A-Wish's 40 years of partnership, the sports entertainment organization invited 20 wish kids and their families to Hollywood to fulfill their wishes to attend WrestleMania 39, WWE's annual pop culture extravaganza.
WWE Superstar John Cena, the all-time most requested celebrity wish granter, invited wish kids to join him onstage for his entrance before his match at the event. They were greeted by the cheering and applause of more than 86,000 fans at SoFi Stadium. This is the first time that wish kids were incorporated into WrestleMania and hopefully, it won't be the last.
During their time at WrestleMania, the kids and their families had a special opportunity for private meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Finn Bálor, Bayley, Carmella and Omos. Best of all, the kids were inducted into the Circle of Champions, WWE's exclusive group that celebrates and honors the perseverance and toughness of wish kids.
"WWE understands that the wishes they help to grant can provide children with critical illnesses with the strength and resilience they need to fight whatever challenges come their way," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "This year's WrestleMania is the latest example of the types of life-changing experiences that WWE provides to wish kids and their families on a regular basis."
More than just one day
While WrestleMania 39 was a landmark wish for several kids this year, WWE and its Superstars continue to grant wishes year-round. For example, WWE and John Cena granted wishes each week during the Legend's return to SmackDown. Also, in the lead-up to World Wish Day, WWE invited former wish recipients and their families to attend Monday Night RAW in Chicago.
WWE's philanthropy isn't limited to the U.S. An organization that touches every corner of the world with its philanthropic actions, working with partners like Make-A-Wish, WWE is making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities at home and abroad.
Through its partnership with Make-A-Wish, the organization has granted numerous international wishes in the UK, India and Saudi Arabia, among others. WWE has also hosted memorable wish-granting events at iconic venues like Universal Studios Hollywood and the Natural History Museum in London.
To learn more about WWE's ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish, visit Corporate.WWE.com/Impact.
