Fanatics Partners with Make-A-Wish to Fulfill Dreams for Ailing Sports Fans Across America

In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine the way dreams are realized, Fanatics, the leading global digital sports platform, has officially joined forces with Make-A-Wish, the renowned wish-granting organization, to champion the dreams of sports enthusiasts facing adversity. The collaborative initiative, aptly named the “Fanatics Make-A-Wish” partnership, was unveiled earlier this week, marking a significant milestone in the realm of philanthropy and community engagement.

Orlando Ashford, the Chief People Officer of Fanatics, revealed the inner workings of this transformative collaboration, highlighting the serendipitous nature of its genesis. “There was a moment of anticipation,” Ashford shared in an exclusive interview with Fox Business Digital, recalling the pivotal call from Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “We should call Make-A-Wish and we should do all the sports-related wishes because we should do those bigger and better and faster because of who we are and the relationships we have.” This epiphany paved the way for a historic alliance that is set to resonate across the nation.

Under the new agreement, Fanatics is designated as the “Official Sports Partner” of Make-A-Wish, assuming responsibility for fulfilling all sports-related wishes throughout the United States. Leslie Motter, the CEO of Make-A-Wish, hailed the partnership as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the lives of countless children and families in need. “This is just the beginning,” Motter expressed with unwavering enthusiasm, underscoring the transformative potential of the collaborative venture.

To inaugurate this momentous occasion, renowned sports icons including Tom Brady, Aaron Judge, and Jayson Tatum are set to surprise nine Make-A-Wish children, bringing their cherished dreams to life. The event, scheduled to take place at the illustrious Barclays Center, signifies a resounding commitment to enriching the lives of young sports aficionados, epitomizing the spirit of camaraderie and compassion embedded within the ethos of Fanatics and Make-A-Wish.

Ashford’s own personal encounters with children like Beau, an ardent 76ers fan, and Quan, a dedicated follower of Russell Wilson, serve as poignant testaments to the profound impact of fulfilling these cherished wishes. “The boost they get from these experiences gives them more energy, gives them more vigor to fight and live longer,” Ashford remarked, shedding light on the transformative power of these unforgettable encounters.

In a gesture that embodies the depth of their commitment, Fanatics has pledged an initial contribution of $10 million, in addition to providing Make-A-Wish with essential resources, merchandise, and production support for their storytelling endeavors. The infusion of enthusiasm and altruism within the Fanatics team has fostered an environment of collective engagement and purpose, symbolizing a corporate culture that transcends business achievements to embrace meaningful social impact.

As the journey unfolds with a spectacular launch event in Brooklyn, the collective efforts of Fanatics and Make-A-Wish stand as a beacon of hope, igniting the spirits of sports enthusiasts nationwide and championing the resilience of those who dare to dream.