Kids Given Wings To Fly In Hamptons

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — Children are given wings to fly in Bridgehampton, all through a new program aimed at empowering kids and nurturing their feelings of self-worth.

Local children the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center will have the opportunity to play and create personal fabric wings to wear; the event is free of charge, due to the local grassroots nonprofit called WING IT Project, started by year-round resident, parent coach, and mother of five, Anastasia Gavalas.

"It is an experience that allows children of all ages and abilities to be creative, feel empowered, recognize their inner resilience, understand their roles as positive global citizens, and bring forth the potential within," organizers said.

Founded in spring 2013, the WING IT Project is a hands-on experience and foundation facilitating a socially conscious movement for children.

While personally engaging in this empowering activity, children of all ages reflect on how they can tap into their own possibilities in an effort to fulfill their potential and go on to do amazing things in their communities and the world, program's creator said.

“I was inspired to do something in my life that touched children's lives and teaches them the power inside themselves. I believe in children’s resilience no matter their circumstances. Opportunity changes everything and this impactful experience allows children to connect to their inner strength, shift their mind-set, and change the trajectory of their lives”, Gavalas said.

The mission, she said, grew out of a simple idea: provide children the opportunity to help them recognize their own individual strength and beauty, leading them to feel empowered, and inspiring them to be of service to others.

“Children nowadays are citizens of the world who organically understand that we are all connected. The focus on empowerment and education has never been more important than it is for today’s global generation," she siad.

Over the past few years hundreds of children were given the opportunity to make wings-to-wear and, as a result continued their "give back" on their own even way after the creative WING IT Project experience.

"From simple words of encouragement to fellow classmates to starting fundraisers of their own, children who are able to tap into their potential can become great leaders in their own right, giving them wings simply inspires them to be more of themselves and reminds them of their potential," WING IT organizers said.

Patch photos courtesy of Sophia Pav Photography.