Roots and Wings Host Winter Party in NYC

On Saturday January 16th the organization Roots and Wings hosted their 5th annual Silver and Gold winter charity party.

The event was held at the Bowery Hotel in NYC and drew over 600 well dressed attendees

Guests took advantage of the open bar of white wine, beer, Sky Vodka drinks, and enough Prosecco to make you think it was New Year’s Eve. The night included a performance by singer and former Miss NY Teen USA Natascha Bessez. The party went on until 2 a.m. with guests dancing to DJ Kris Muniz.

We chatted with Danielle Riley, the founder of Roots and Wings about the organization and success of the now infamous Silver and Gold party:

How did you get involved in Roots and Wings and what is your role within the organization?

–I’m one of the founders of Roots & Wings and its Executive Director.  I’ve been involved from the start with both the leaders around the world who are creating new programs to help people work their way out of poverty, and with the leaders in the US who are raising resources to support these countries’ programs.  I am in awe every day of the smart, compassionate and innovative people who make Roots & Wings a success.

This is the 5th annual Silver and Gold Winter Party – why the name Silver and Gold?

The name comes from a song we sang in my Girl Scout troop growing up: “Make NEW friends, but keep the OLD; One is SILVER, and the other GOLD.”

In 2011, when we were taking our first steps towards founding Roots & Wings, we were overwhelmed by the encouragement we received from our family and friends and colleagues and neighbors.  We hosted the first Silver & Gold party in January 2012 to thank everyone for their support. The purpose of the party is to acknowledge the amazing friendships- both old and new- that make our lives so special and that contribute to transforming the world into a better place.  So the Silver & Gold theme just seems to fit!

The party was packed – what do you contribute the success of this event to?

Good people, good friendships and a good cause.  The party was filled with truly good people who care about the world and want to be a good friend to others who are less fortunate than them.  We are so grateful to have so many friends who stand up for Roots & Wings and make it possible for us to help needy people.

How much money was raised this year and where is it going to?

We raised over $50,000 to support our much-needed work around the world.  Please see the attached brochure for information on the countries we work in and the type of people we help.

For more information, visit: http://rootsandwings.org/