Dave Girgenti

Dave Girgenti is the founder of Wish Upon a Hero, a social helping network which connects those in need with people who are willing to grant their wishes.

Girgenti conceived the idea for Wish Upon a Hero shortly after the September 11th attacks on New York City. From his home in New Jersey, Girgenti watched as thousands of people posted pictures of missing loved ones throughout the city. He thought there had to be a faster, more organized way to connect people in need.

Wish Upon a Hero was launched in September 2007, and to date more than 95,000 wishes have been granted through the site. More than 24,000 wishes were granted in 2011 alone.

Girgenti also serves as executive director of the Wish Upon a Hero Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the wish granting efforts of individuals and organizations. Established in June 2008 as a mechanism to raise money for larger wishes that were unfulfilled on the WishUpon a Hero website, the Foundation accepts corporate donations and is eligible to receive government grants and corporate donations.