He’s hired and fired thousands. He’s plunged into bankruptcy and clawed his way back to the top.
But Donald Trump, star of the hit TV show The Apprentice, couldn’t come face-to-face with wish kid Ignacio, 13, with his trademark stony façade intact. The two met during a special taping of the show to grant Ignacio’s wish to be fired by the real estate and television mogul. Ignacio is being treated for Hodgkin’s disease, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation® granted his wish to meet Trump and film a mini-version of the hit show.
Ignacio, his family and one of his school teachers traveled to New York for the meeting and a three-day visit. He talked to Trump for a half-hour before the trek to Trump’s infamous boardroom. Trump’s assistant ushered him in as she has done for countless hopefuls on the show.
“Are you a good businessman?” Trump demanded.
A grinning Ignacio nodded, but was too modest to mention his fluent bilingual skills and straight-A grades. He looks to Trump as in inspiration because of how he’s dealt with the challenges he’s faced in his business ventures. Trump seemed to recognize a kindred spirit in the teenager working to beat a life-threatening illness.
“You’re too good a kid,” Trump said. “You’re not fired. You’re hired!”
It was a perfect ending for Ignacio, who beamed as he collected his bags and left the boardroom. He was elated that a billionaire like Trump thought he was already too successful and talented to send him packing.
“The gift he gave me was the gift of his time,” Ignacio told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
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I apologize for whatever I said about you Mr. Trump.
Give Rosey a big, sloppy kiss and lets call it even!
- David M. Gonzalez 07/09/2007 20:22 -
Mr. Trump, what you did for this child has totally changed my perception of what kind of man you are. You are not all "business", you take time for others and give to others. Ignacio was terrific! Thanks again for being kind and I hope others follow your example. Watching this made my day!
- Jessica 08/23/2007 6:35 -
I LOVE Make-A-Wish! These wishes come true are amazing! What a God send this foundation is! Ignacio's wish makes my cheeks hurt from smiling!
- Michelle 01/22/2008 20:08 -
That video was AWESOME.
- Alex 01/06/2008 14:25 -
What you did for that kid was really great Mr.Trump. That was very kind.
- Erick 03/28/2008 21:03 -
I have always admired you, Mr. Trump, and the more I hear of the things you have done with children, even your own, makes me respect you even more. You are an excellent roll model and deserve everything you have accomplished. Keep up the good work.
- Donna 03/28/2008 13:41 -
As a man with a seemingly hard exterior, he's not so bad after all. Thank you for the inspiration.
- Shirley 04/28/2008 18:44 -
It warms my heart to read how a busy man like you Mr.Trump could take time out for a kid like Ignacio. You are a true gentleman.
- Melissa 04/28/2008 16:26 -
Wow. I thought Trump was a total grouch, but this just goes to show that even he has a heart. Two thumbs up for Trump!
- Guy 04/12/2009 20:38 -
Donald Trump and his entire family have shown, repeatedly, that they are first-class people with depth of passion. This video was inspirational, because it shows that no one is too busy to perform a kindness for a child. Donald Trump, you're a hero!
- Rebecca O 02/25/2009 13:58 -
Mr. Trump,
As I sit in my office and watch this video it brought a smile and almost tears to my eyes. To see that smile on Ignacio face and the thoughtfulness you have in your heart really blew me away. You are truly a businessman, a giving man. God bless you and your family and keep on doing what you do all over this World.
"Make use of the light while there is still time; then you will become light bearers."
Luke 12:36 LB
- Marcus 12/31/2008 20:27
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Ignacio's Wish VideoHe’s hired and fired thousands. He’s plunged into bankruptcy and clawed his way back to the top. But Donald Trump, star of the hit TV show The Apprentice, couldn’t come face-to-face with wish kid Ignacio, 13, with his trademark stony façade intact.
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© 2006– Make-A-Wish Foundation of America