People recognize Hulk Hogan for his mustache, muscles, and decade-long career in pro wrestling. But outside the spotlight, he’s quietly made an impact in a completely different area: charity.
Over the years, Hogan has supported organizations focused on children, health-related causes, and life-changing surgeries.
He hasn’t always spoken about it publicly, but the records and stories speak for themselves. Here’s a closer look at the real extent of Hulk Hogan’s charity work, who he’s helped, and how.
Hulk Hogan’s Charity Work at a Glance
| Charity/Foundation | Cause | Involvement |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation | Terminally ill children | Granted 200+ wishes during WWE years |
| American Diabetes Association | Diabetes awareness | Supported events, appeared in campaigns |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of America | Youth development | Inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame (2018) |
| 50 Legs Foundation | Prosthetics for amputees | Donated custom car for auction |
| Susan G. Komen Foundation | Breast cancer research | Grand Marshal, Race for the Cure 2015 |
The Wishes, The Races, and the Car that Changed Lives
During the peak of Hulkamania in the 1980s and ’90s, Hogan became one of the most requested stars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He granted over 200 wishes to kids battling critical illnesses.
A number that puts him among one of the most generous names in the wrestling world.
In 1994, the Make-A-Wish Foundation officially recognized The Hulkster’s impact by presenting him with the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, joining other notable wrestling wish-granters, such as Jesse Ventura. As Make-A-Wish noted:
“Hulk was at one point our most requested celebrity, and he never said no when he could possibly make it.”
His passion for giving didn’t stop there. In 2015, Hogan joined breast cancer survivors and advocates, serving as Grand Marshal at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C.
“It is an honor to join survivors, volunteers and participants and serve as Grand Marshal for Susan G. Komen’s D.C. Race for the Cure.”
Speaking as the Grand Marshal of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Hogan made the following statement:
“I am proud to represent WWE as we continue to use our global platforms to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.”
And in a deeply personal gesture, Hogan auctioned his custom-painted Hulkamania Dodge Viper to raise funds for 50 Legs, an organization dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to those in need.
Less than 20 lots to go until @HulkHogan joins us on the auction block to sell the "Hulkster Viper" at #NoReserve!
— Mecum Auctions (@mecum) January 11, 2020
All proceeds for the sale will be donated to @50LEGS.
Watch the sale #LIVE: https://t.co/xqx7WYQhwK#MecumKissimmee #Mecum #HulkHogan #WWE #WhereTheCarsAre pic.twitter.com/fCv6QD36QI
The proceeds directly funded life-changing surgeries and restored mobility for recipients who couldn’t afford such costs themselves.
The Causes That Matter to Hulk Hogan
While Hulk Hogan has largely kept his donations private, certain causes have clearly been important to him. He’s long supported the American Diabetes Association, appearing at awareness events and using his platform to promote education about the disease.
In 2018, Hulk Hogan was honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which inducted him into their prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame.
It was a full-circle moment for Hogan, who once said in an interview that local youth centers helped keep him out of trouble as a teen.
“And if it wasn’t for the boys club, you know, I would have never achieved that goal. One of the great things about being involved with the boys and girls clubs is trying to teach these kids what I’ve learned and help them not make a few of the mistakes I’ve made is a huge deal for me.”
Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame: Hulk Hogan, YouTube, Jun 18, 2018 (Timestamp: 1:34-1:46)
Although Hulk Hogan has been involved in controversy over the years, but his work in charity has stayed genuine and consistent.
He doesn’t always share about it publicly, but behind the scenes, he’s helped fund surgeries, supported youth programs, and stood with families in crisis.
