When Dave Girgenti watched people post pictures of their missing loved ones after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, he knew not many people would see these heartfelt calls for help.

Thinking about that hard reality led Dave to his “aha!” moment. What if there was a website where people could wish for things? Better yet, help fulfill other people’s wishes? Inspired by this thought, Dave created “Wish Upon a Hero” – a nonprofit website that allows people to grant, or make, a wish. For Dave, a lot of hard work and dedication made his wish come true.

What is the power of a wish? Think about this:

- a little league team that couldn’t afford uniforms connects with a hi-tech company that donates them

- a woman finds her long lost sister

- an appliance shop supplies a refrigerator to a new mom in need

Pretty powerful, huh? Now multiply that by more than 30,000 — the number of wishes that have been granted to date.

The website’s motto is “Everyone has a wish. Everyone can be a hero.” People helping people. It’s simple, but powerful.

How does it work? Once you complete a secure registration designed to protect identity and eliminate scams, you can post up to three wishes. You can grant as many as you want. Church groups, non-profits, and just-folks are welcome. It’s like a Craigslist for giving back.

Wish Upon a Hero is a great way to forget about the economic downturn for a while and remember that one person can make a difference. Maybe today, that person will be you.

— Rita

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  • Wish Upon A Hero is an online community where people can help other people directly

  • A unique way to help individuals, a community or a cause

  • Membership is free

  • Members can post up to 3 wishes a month

  • Members can browse other people’s wishes and grant unlimited wishes

  • It’s the responsibility of granters to research “wishers” through their profile. Wish Upon a Hero does review wishes involving larger amounts of money— read the site
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