The Trenton Times published the following article on November 22, 2013. To read the full article, click here.

Founder of Trenton-based One Simple Wish in the running for CNN Hero of the Year

By For The Times of Trenton
on November 22, 2013 at 6:30 AM, updated November 22, 2013 at 6:37 AM

By Amanda Ippolito
For The Times of Trenton

At the Trenton headquarters of One Simple Wish, the conference room table is plastered with photographs. Each represents a wish granted to a foster child, whether that be a new set of Legos, a drum set or a laptop.

Looking at the table in front of her, Danielle Gletow, founder of the nonprofit group, said these photos are what keep her going.

“We have this visual reminder — these are all the reasons we do what we do,” she said.

Since being founded in 2008, One Simple Wish has granted more than 6,500 wishes.
Visitors to the organization’s website can browse hundreds of requests posted on behalf of foster children and at-risk youth. When a wish is granted — typically via a donation of $10 to $100 — Gletow’s group shops for and delivers the gift.

“I can’t imagine a better way to spend my life,” Gletow said, adding, “except maybe being a rock star.”

In the nonprofit world, a rock star may be just what she’s become.

She is having a big year: In March, Gletow was named a CNN Hero, and earlier this month she was announced as one of 10 finalists, setting her up for a huge potential cash award. CNN’s program — which recognizes “everyday people who are changing the world” — grants each finalist $50,000. The overall winner will receive an additional $250,000.

Voting closed Nov. 17. The winner of the program will be revealing during the airing of “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” on Dec. 1.

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