Welcome to our 2012 Wish Upon A Smile Program.

We received many applications for this makeover and it was very difficult to narrow our selection to ten finalists. The selection committee read many wonderful stories about how much the nominees have given to others — each of these people deserves something nice for themselves. The love of the folks connected to the nominees shone through in these stories.

After personal interviews with the ten finalists, our winner for 2012 was selected.

Congratulations to Denise Zielenski — a 56-year-old Walmart employee who has touched many people's lives by her kind and giving spirit. Denise was nominated by a Walmart customer who had noticed Denise's special warmth in her post as a store Greeter. She had observed Denise's welcoming smile and was taken aback by the obvious condition of Denise's teeth.

Despite her smile's imperfections, Denise's welcoming personality has made friends of many who have walked through the Walmart door. She even has a number of children customers who make it a point to bring her their report card to show her how well they are doing in school. She rewards them with a dollar for a good report card. Denise also buys a hot coffee for the homeless folks who come to the store late at night — and if she can spare the money, she buys them a Subway sandwich. She said that at least she can help them get warm with the coffee if she doesn't have enough to buy them the sandwich.

One day recently, Denise overheard the child of a customer say to his mother, "Mom, why does that lady's teeth look like that?" Though she was embarrassed, she approached the boy and told him that her teeth look like they do because she did not take care of them properly when she was younger. She stressed to him the importance of good dental hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly. She then gave him a dollar to buy a toothbrush! The child was so excited and said "Can we buy a toothbrush, Mom?" So, a little while later, the child returned to Denise to show her that he did, in fact, buy a toothbrush that day!!

There are numerous similar stories about this woman who has given of herself to help those in need. In addition to her commitment to her Walmart customers, Denise also cares for her ill husband when she is at home. So her "mission" is full-time and does not leave her much time or money to take care of herself.

The Racine Dream Team is pleased to offer Denise a complete smile and glamour makeover (thanks to Kind Dentistry and Aspire Salon and Spa), a professional photo shoot (by Generations Photography), and a celebration dinner (at the Charcoal Grill).