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(Photo courtesy: University of Miami)
Three remarkable former flight attendants met in New York in 1954 to talk about their “flying days.”
Word was sent out and former Eastern Air Lines flight attendants who were interested in retaining old friendships, gaining new ones, and raising money for charitable purposes were invited to meet. That meeting resulted in the establishment of one of the most unusual organizations in the world — The Silverliners.
By 1968, four independent Silverliner chapters — New York, New Jersey, Miami, and Atlanta — came together in Atlanta to become the “National” Silverliners. In 1974, 20 years from that initial meeting, the Mexico chapter was added, and the organization became the “International” Silverliners. At this same time, membership was opened to current flight attendants as well as former flight attendants.
The international organization established an International Charity Fund, The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp. Through this commitment, over $100,000 has been raised for the camp, funding a new cabin plus needed resources for other purchases. Chapters individually hosted and coordinated a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole within their communities for challenged children, bringing much happiness and joy to all of their family members.
The HUGS Fund was established to assist Silverliner members when faced with health, financial or emotional difficulties. Over the years, chapters and individual members have helped raise thousands of dollars for their own chosen chapter charities and spent thousands of hours helping others by working as volunteers all the while enjoying each other’s company at chapter meetings, international board meetings and international conventions.
In 2022, the organization will celebrate its 68th anniversary — 68 years of fundraising, fun and friendship.
In order to expand membership, the organization was “rebranded” as “Silverliners International — founded by Eastern Air Lines Flight Attendants” and welcomed former and current flight attendants from all airlines to join. Silverliners now boast members from more than 63 airlines, including charter and corporate flight attendants.
The local GMIA Silverliners Chapter consists of 33 members from various airlines — Eastern Air Lines, United Air Lines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Pan American Airlines, Continental Air Lines, Rich International, Cayman Airlines, Miami Air Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Global X.
One of the members is a survivors of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crash in the Everglades in 1972.
The Silverliners are a non-profit philanthropic organization nurturing friendship, camaraderie between members. The group stands for good friendships, maintenance of high standards and serving communities.
The charities sponsored are:
The Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Ashford, CT, were they offer weeklong residential camp sessions for seriously ill children ages 7-15 and their siblings.
Children’s Caring Cancer Center which provide 100 percent free total care programs for medical care. No child is turned down, no matter the cost.
Operation Smile offers help to persons needing lifesaving cleft treatment. One cleft surgery equates to $250. They also need dental care, orthodontic treatment, speech therapy and more.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital seeks advance cures and means of prevention for children with cancer. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
National Air Disaster Foundation. Funds are being collected for a memorial to be erected in Miami Springs commemorating the lives of the crew members who perished in the crash of Flight 401 in the Everglades in 1972.
For those wishing to become part of the GMIA Silverliners Chapter send email to bmrz3grl@aol.com.
