Tree of Hope Takes Flight

The Rainbow World Fund’s Origami Project Gets a Second Term in City Hall

Adorn tree of folded wishes at City Hall becomes a holiday tradition

When San Francisco based Rainbow World Fund (RWF) set out in 2006 to create a holiday fund-raising campaign, little did they know that they were about to embark on creating a holiday tradition for the City.

"Mayor Newsom is thrilled to have us do the Tree of Hope again this year," remarks Paul Stankiewicz, RWF Project Coordinator. "Just like last year, we will still collect people's wishes and hopes for the future of the world written on origami paper.  As we fold them into cranes, we symbolically give them wings. Everyone is invited to join us."

Last year's tree had 2500 cranes in white and 800 silver stars.  This year, Mr. Stankiewicz is increasing those numbers but won't say how many. "It's a surprise!  So are the colors.  We are also playing with light and some effects that will create real MAGIC."

In fact, "The Magic of Hope" is this year's theme. Jeff Cotter, the Founder and Executive Director of RWF explains, "Everyone has hope.  No matter where you live, what you believe, what language you speak – we all have hope.  It is that inexplicable feeling that what we want can be had. It can take the form of a dream.  It is the essence of faith.  All of us living on earth right now share hope and that's magical!"

In a mass mailing and viral Internet campaign, RWF hopes to exceed last year's numbers. "It was well into the hundred's of thousands.  Honestly, I had to stop counting and get to the task at hand – folding origami!" boasts Cotter.

"Senator Obama shared his wish with us which was so beautiful." adds Stankiewicz,  "I know it by heart. He wishes for...'a world for our children more just, more fair, and more kind then the one we know now.'  It took a lot of practice to recite that without choking up."

To sign up for emails from Rainbow World Fund and for further information on how you can help RWF make dreams come true, visit

Join Benefit and RWF on December 5th at ..... for the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony and Reception at City Hall.