SILVERLINERS

HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION

Three remarkable women--Carol Montell Harlin, Doris Coughlin Self and Claire Ward Westhafer got together in New York to talk about their flying days. They took the steps needed from that meeting to bring about a most unusual organization -- "Silverliners"T

They met with Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, founder of EAL, who named the organization "Silverliners". His comment was "his girls were the silver lining of any dark cloud".

As the years progressed and membership grew to include a chapter in Mexico City, as well as members in Canada and Europe, we were the "International Silverliners".

In 1987, we adopted an International charity, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (whose founder was Paul Newman, actor and philanthropist.) and is a camp for children with terminal illnesses. After completing our initial pledge to build a cabin with our Silverliner name plaque on it, we continue to provide monetary support for other camp needs, including camp scholarships.

As we matured, we found ways for International to keep us even closer by encouraging the chapters to participate in a nationwide endeavor--our Flight to the North Pole. This annual event has brought much joy to challenged and critically ill children and their families.

We have helped raise millions of dollars, spent thousands of hours helping others, worked thousands of hours as volunteers and enjoyed each others' company.

To continue to reach out to new people and bring fresh ideas and ways to share what our Founders envisioned for us are the goals we still embrace.

We've been together for 56 years of fund raising, fun and friendship...thanks to Eastern Air Lines, our founders and each and every member -- past and present.