In the fall of 1999
Gliding Stars came to Mercyhurst University (then College)
Our
History
The first skating season, under the leadership of Linda Althof, had 22 participants and 35 volunteers. The first year’s skating ended with an ice show for parents and friends at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
In 1999 Jack Schultz approached his friend and Erie area skating coach, Linda Althof about the possibility of such a program in Erie. The Erie community and Mercyhurst University came on board with the resources to make the program a reality.
That humble beginning was a learning experience for everyone involved…the Stars, their families, our director, the volunteer coaches and all of the on-ice and off-ice volunteers.
The program has grown from the original 22 Stars to as many as 80 Stars with volunteers numbering in the hundreds, all under the directorship of Linda Althof. Gliding Stars of Erie has been active for 23 years, all of those years at Mercyhurst University Ice Center with the support of their students and staff. The support of the Erie community and the Schultz family enables our program to continue and thrive. The end of season ice show has become a tradition, expanding from that first show to a full production including live, on ice music by local bands and guest skaters…all playing to a standing room only audience in the rink.
About Us
Gliding Stars of Erie, Inc. is organized as a not-for-profit educational institution, and is recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax-exempt organization under its regulation 501(c)(3). Support of Gliding Stars is therefore tax-deductible.
Our Address
Gliding Stars of Erie, PO Box 11304, Erie, PA, 16514
©2022. Gliding Stars of Erie. All Rights Reserved.