Gliding Stars of Western New York

06/16/2026

Just as a reminder to please spread the word that we are looking for sponsors from local businesses, realters, law firms, insurance agents, ect!

The Gliding Stars Walk-A-Thon is coming this September, and we're looking for community partners to help make the event a success while supporting adaptive ice skating opportunities for individuals of all abilities throughout Western New York.

We currently have two sponsorship opportunities available:

🥤 Sponsor Snacks & Drinks – $150
Help keep our walkers, volunteers, and supporters energized throughout the event.

📸 Sponsor a Photo Booth – $300
Create lasting memories for our participants and families while showcasing your support for inclusion and accessibility.

As a sponsor, your business will receive recognition at the event via t-shirts and signage and be highlighted as a valued supporter of Gliding Stars and our mission.

Every sponsorship helps us continue providing life-changing adaptive skating experiences that build confidence, independence, and friendships on and off the ice.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us today via phone or email!

Thank you for helping us make every step count. 💙⭐

06/04/2026

The Gliding Stars Walk-A-Thon is coming this September, and we're looking for community partners to help make the event a success while supporting adaptive ice skating opportunities for individuals of all abilities throughout Western New York.

We currently have two sponsorship opportunities available:

🥤 Sponsor Snacks & Drinks – $150
Help keep our walkers, volunteers, and supporters energized throughout the event.

📸 Sponsor a Photo Booth – $300
Create lasting memories for our participants and families while showcasing your support for inclusion and accessibility.

As a sponsor, your business will receive recognition at the event via t-shirts and signage and be highlighted as a valued supporter of Gliding Stars and our mission.

Every sponsorship helps us continue providing life-changing adaptive skating experiences that build confidence, independence, and friendships on and off the ice.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us today via phone or email!

Thank you for helping us make every step count. 💙⭐

06/02/2026

Thank you again to everyone that voted and thank you to Roy's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for the kind donation!

06/02/2026

Walk to empower. Walk to inspire. Support adaptive ice skating opportunities and help create brighter futures for individuals of all abilities across Western New York. Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are all welcome.

Participants can create a fundraising page, join a team, donate, or help spread the word. With five tiers of fundraising prizes available, every step and every contribution makes an impact!

Sign up today and help Gliding Stars continue to shine bright in our community.

For more information or to request a Walker Info Packet, please contact us at 716-608-8345 or email us at [email protected]

Visit the official event page and sign up here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/gliding-stars-walk-a-thon

We’d love to help you get started- whether you want to create a fundraising page, join a team, or learn more about participating or donating.

Together, we can keep adaptive skating opportunities growing and help Gliding Stars continue to shine bright in our community. ⛸

05/31/2026

Early Intervention & Committee on Preschool Special Education ✨

During Summer 2023, we had our first ever Early Intervention and Committee on Preschool Special Education class. Gliding Stars of WNY has partnered with Liberty Post to provide services to kids ages 18 months to 5 years in Niagara County. We continued this program during our regular season with Jennifer Rosen; one of our volunteers and a licensed physical therapist as the teacher for this group. This year they are doing their own special routine showcasing their personal growth during our season!

The benefits of ice skating are vast- increased fine and gross motor coordination, balance, total body increased muscle strength and coordination and proprioception- knowing where your body is in space. These rare benefits can only be found in 3 sports- ice skating, gymnastics and a variety of Martial arts. Combined with social and emotional benefits of being part of a group, this has created the perfect atmosphere for these little ones to work on skills they need while having fun too!

We are excited to say that this one of a kind program is here to stay!

📸: Golden Twenty Two Photography

05/31/2026

Cornerstone Small Group 💛✨💚

Ryan Luss and Robbie Mokhiber skate at our Cornerstone Rink. Ryan has been skating for eighteen years. Outside of skating he enjoys riding his bike, swimming, bowling, and riding the go karts. Robbie has been skating for four years. When he’s not skating he enjoys golfing, four-wheeling, karate, and playing video games.

Skating with them are Bridget Sander and Danielle Thomas. Bridget is a figure skater and has been skating with Gliding Stars for 15 years. She has skated alongside many stars and has become an instructor for our green group, which Ryan is part of. Danielle joined Gliding Stars 2 years ago and has built a bond with Robbie from day one. She pushes him to do his best and has quickly become the first person Robbie looks for as he walks into the rink.

Ryan has learned how to improve his physical and social skills, his favorite part of skating is getting to spend time with his friends every week! Gliding Stars has given Robbie more confidence to learn new things, his favorite part of skating is skating in front of everyone in the show!

📸: Golden Twenty Two Photography

05/31/2026

Teacher Group ⛸✨

The instructors of the Gliding Stars are more than teachers of skating—they are the heart and backbone of the program and champions of possibility. Today they take to the ice together to perform a special routine that showcases many of the skills they patiently and proudly teach each week: balance, movement, strength, teamwork, confidence and trust. Every edge, turn, and glide reflects the care and intention they bring to the ice with every skater they support.

But their impact reaches far beyond the rink boards and the choreography you see on the ice. These dedicated individuals wear many hats within our Gliding Stars family. They are instructors, mentors, volunteers, encouragers, parents and siblings of skaters, advocates and role models. Many give their time across multiple routines, moving seamlessly from one role to the next, always putting the needs of our skaters first. Their passion, patience, compassion, and belief in every skater’s potential help make Gliding Stars a place where confidence grows, barriers fade, and abilities shine. Because of them, the ice becomes more than a surface—it becomes a place of belonging, empowerment, and endless possibility.

📸: Golden Twenty Two Photography

05/30/2026

20 Year Legacy Skaters ✨

For 20 years, these extraordinary skaters have shown us what is possible when determination meets support, and joy meets the ice. Through Gliding Stars, they have grown in confidence, strength, and independence—proving time and again that ability shines brightest when given the opportunity. Their journeys have helped shape the heart of our program, inspiring families, volunteers, instructors, and fellow skaters along the way. Today, we proudly honor their perseverance, their courage, and the legacy they continue to create every time they take the ice.

Honoring Our 20-Year Gliding Stars Skaters:
David & Carmen Bandinelli • Noah & Joseph Borzynski • Matthew Coulter • Tommy & Timothy Dressler • Shana Ficarra • Antionette Galyen • Amy & Leslie Gardner • Brittany Golanka • Jennifer Gutowski • David Hocking • Thomas Kilminster • Ernie Matthews • Alex May • Marissa Notaro • Linda Ortel • Courtney Reynolds • Garrett Russell • Justin & Tracy Schosek • Laura Spuller • Jennifer Stuart

Our program would not be possible without the dedication of our off-ice volunteers, who for 20 years have given their time, energy, and hearts to support our skaters and families. From organizing, assisting, encouraging, and cheering from the sidelines, their unwavering commitment has been the foundation that allows Gliding Stars to thrive. We are deeply grateful for their lasting impact on our community.

Honoring Our 20-Year Off-Ice Volunteers:
Christine Golanka • Teresa Hooper • Mary Jane Key • Eileen Klein • Katie Matthews • Carolyn McNamara • Kari & Nicholas Notaro • Vern Ortel • Chet Overbeck • Jennifer Pyrciak • Gary Russell • Gale, Dick & Richard Sander • Arthur Thomas

📸: Golden Twenty Two Photography

05/29/2026

West Seneca Red- Skating Through the Seasons: Snowflakes, Leaves, Flowers ❄🍂💐

05/29/2026

Cornerstone Red- Celebrating WNY: Buffalo Sports 🏈❤💙💛

📸: Golden Twenty Two Photography