Every year, the Wishmaker’s Ball in Orlando brings together a compassionate community dedicated to granting 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 generosity of those who help make them possible.
While countless donors, volunteers, and supporters play a crucial role, some of the biggest champions of Make-A-Wish are celebrities who go above and beyond to brighten the lives of wish kids. These stars don’t just bring smiles to faces—they create memories that last a lifetime, offering hope, strength, and joy when it’s needed most.
In this blog, we’ll highlight five incredible celebrity wish granters who have made a lasting impact with Make-A-Wish.
John Cena
When it comes to celebrity wish granters, John Cena stands in a league of his own. With over 650 wishes granted, Cena holds the Guinness World Record for the most wishes fulfilled through Make-A-Wish. Whether it’s meeting a young fan, posing for photos, or simply spending quality time with wish kids, Cena goes above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences.
But John Cena’s commitment to Make-A-Wish doesn’t stop there. His involvement spans years of dedication, often rearranging his busy schedule to meet with children battling critical illnesses. Beyond granting wishes, Cena actively promotes the organization’s mission, helping to raise awareness and inspire others to support Make-A-Wish’s life-changing work.
His unwavering generosity and genuine connection with wish kids make him an inspiring figure—not just for the children he meets, but for the entire Make-A-Wish community. As Cena himself once said, “If you ever need me for this, I don’t care what I’m doing, I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing.”
John Cena’s incredible record, paired with his heartfelt commitment, truly exemplifies the magic of giving and the transformative power of a wish.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber has been a dedicated supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting over 250 wishes to children with critical illnesses. His involvement has made a significant impact, bringing joy and excitement to countless young fans facing tough battles. Bieber’s commitment to brightening the lives of wish kids has earned him recognition as one of the most active celebrity wish granters.
From backstage meet-and-greets to private performances, Bieber has gone out of his way to create unforgettable experiences for wish kids. Whether it’s a simple chat, a warm hug, or a shared moment, Bieber’s kindness has helped inspire and uplift children during some of their most difficult times.
Through his consistent generosity and heartfelt interactions, Justin Bieber exemplifies the power of giving back, showing that even the smallest gestures of kindness can bring immense joy and hope to children in need.
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt has made a meaningful impact on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes and creating unforgettable moments for children facing critical illnesses. Known for his warm personality and sense of humor, Pratt has helped brighten the lives of countless wish kids by spending time with them, sharing stories, and offering a glimpse into his world as a beloved actor.
In recognition of his dedication, Pratt was honored with the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award in 2023, a prestigious accolade given to celebrities who go above and beyond to support the Make-A-Wish mission. Whether it’s meeting wish kids on film sets, hosting them behind the scenes, or simply making them laugh, Pratt’s generosity and compassion have left a lasting mark on the Make-A-Wish community.
Through his involvement, Chris Pratt continues to demonstrate that the gift of time and kindness can bring immense joy and hope to children during challenging moments. His ongoing support serves as an inspiring reminder of the powerful role celebrities can play in transforming lives.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Known for his larger-than-life persona and charismatic presence, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been a long-time supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Over the years, Johnson has granted numerous wishes, creating joyful and memorable experiences for wish kids and their families.
In one memorable instance, Johnson went above and beyond by spending a day at Universal Studios with a busload of wish kids, making their dreams come true in a truly unforgettable way. His ability to inspire and bring happiness to children facing critical illnesses highlights not only his star power but also his deep compassion and dedication to giving back.
By consistently showing up for wish kids and creating moments of magic, The Rock exemplifies the spirit of Make-A-Wish, proving that kindness and generosity can bring light to even the toughest times.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has been a dedicated supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting numerous wishes and bringing joy to children facing critical illnesses. Known for her kind and approachable demeanor, Gomez has made it a priority to connect with her young fans through the foundation, creating memorable experiences filled with warmth and laughter.
One particularly touching moment came when Gomez granted the wish of a young fan who was battling a critical illness. Gomez spent the day with Ella and even brought her on stage during a concert, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience. Her generosity and willingness to go the extra mile for wish kids have made her a beloved figure in the Make-A-Wish community.
Through her ongoing involvement, Selena Gomez has shown that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, offering hope and happiness to children when they need it most.
Help Us Make a Difference
While celebrities like these play a significant role in brightening the lives of wish kids, you don’t need star power to make a difference. Every wish granted is made possible by the generosity of people just like you—individuals who donate, volunteer, and support Make-A-Wish in countless ways.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida is always in need of compassionate donors and dedicated volunteers to help create life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses. Whether you can give a financial contribution, offer your time, or simply spread the word, your support brings hope, strength, and joy to wish kids and their families.
Ready to get involved? Visit your local chapter to learn how you can help grant more wishes and transform more lives. Together, we can continue to make dreams come true—one wish at a time.
