Seton Hall University Women's Basketball Team Makes Wishes Come True

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the women’s basketball team hopes to celebrate two victories; defeating DePaul University and treating 12 girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to the VIP treatment before, during and after their game.

The Pirates have partnered with New Jersey-based nonprofit organization One Simple Wish to make the wishes of 12 girls come true.  Their wish was to have a chance to dine with players, practice before the game and to be recognized during the action.

One Simple Wish grants simple wishes to foster children and vulnerable families and has been working with the Seton Hall Pirates since mid-2011, when women’s basketball coach and former Olympian Anne Donovan contacted Executive Director Danielle Gletow to see how she could help.

"I became aware of One Simple Wish and Director Danielle Gletow last winter and immediately wanted to connect our program with her organization,” Donovan said in a statement.  “One Simple Wish has a passionate mission to help young people.  It is my hope that our Pirate women can connect with some of these kids, that our program can help to make a difference through our partnership.” 

Gletow, a Seton Hall alumnus, was pleased when her alma-mater contacted her to participate.

“I went to Seton Hall myself, so it was very cool to get the call from Coach Donovan,” Gletow said in the statement.  “Then, when I researched her background and found out more about her achievements, I was just blown away that she was so interested in working with us.  It’s been wonderful working with everyone affiliated with the team.”

The team is also encouraging fellow athletes, students, faculty, parents and visitors to participate in this inspirational day by contributing personal care items to their drive which will result in making dozens of care kits for young people who are moving from place to place in foster care.

Donations of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, gum, hand sanitizer and other personal products can be made at the Richie Regan Athletic Center beginning Monday, Jan. 23, through the day of the game on Saturday, Jan. 28.

“One Simple Wish prides itself on providing simple yet meaningful ways for anyone to make a difference in the life of a child in need and this is a perfect example of the type of work that can be done,” added Gletow, who is also a New Jersey foster parent.

For more information about One Simple Wish visit www.onesimplewish.org or email info@onesimplewish.org.

Adult tickets cost $10 each, while youth and senior tickets are available for $5. To purchase tickets, visit the Seton Hall Athletic Ticket Office or call (973) 275-HALL (4255).