KERRI STRUG CANCER BENEFIT A SUPER SUCCESS!

The unique event poster featuring Kerri, was designed and printed at Miller Designworks right here in Phoenixville. The autographed, limited edition prints sold out instantly.

Kerri Strug, former Aerials student, and maybe the most recognized gymnast on earth, helped stage a gymnastics clinic and fund raiser for the Cancer Center at Phoenixville Hospital and The START Foundation. The event took place Sunday, June 25th, 2000 at the Aerials "Fit’n’Fun" Gymnastics Center. Kerri began the day, along with 15 volunteer coaches, instructing 100 gymnasts for a three hour clinic. The athletes were also treated to a video and motivational talk from the Olympic Champion.

  Kerri signed lots of Wheaties boxes that day!

"She was every bit as magnificent as the day she performed the heart stopping vault at the 1996 Olympics" said Rick Palumbo, Aerials owner and one of her former coaches, " She is a true champion in every sense of the word."

Kerri held a question and answer session afterwhich she signed all athletes souvenirs. Corporate partners supplied mats, tee shirts and books for sale during the clinic. All proceeds went to The Cancer Center at Phoenixville Hospital and The START Foundation.

To continue helping the Cancer Center Kerri graciously left behind many autographed books and tee shirts for sale.Contact the Aerials "Fit’n’Fun" Gymnastics Center front office to purchase your very own tee shirt and autographed book entitled "Landing on my Feet" today!

The Aerials "Fit’n’Fun" Gymnastics Center was host to the Irish National Gymnastics Team and their coaches. While here in Phoenixville, the team of 20 trained six days with the Aerials coaching staff including team director Rick Palumbo and developmental director Eileen Wilson. The trip was coordinated by coach and clinician Ken Miller who has visited Ireland for the last two years. Ken, a KAT and SAFETY CERTIFIER for USA Gymnastics, has brought to Ireland such notables as 1988 Olympian Hope Spivey.

The girls enjoyed many diversions while in the states including a trip to historic downtown Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute and the Zoo. A highlight of the trip for the girls, who ranged in age from 12-18, was Sunday with the Parkettes. Bill and Donna Strauss graciously opened their gym to the girls who had the pleasure of meeting the American National Champion Kristin Maloney.

Rick Palumbo briefs the girls on the days training goals.

Nationally recognized choreographer, Donna Culp, visited Aerials to create balance beam and floor routines for the Optional Team.

Donna, who resides in Dallas, Texas, has been choreographing for over 20 years. Donna choreographs routines for athletes all over the world and maintains a residence in Sevilia, Spain for just such an occasion.

Donna has quite a list of interesting achievements under her belt including many TV commercials and, get this, teaching trampoline and tumbling to Tom Cruise and Rob Lowe. Sounds like fun!

Using American and European styles, Donna designed delightful and effective routines for the Aerials Team girls.

Donna and her sisters, Denna and Debbie, have had a hand in coaching many of the top USA Team girls.

Donna herself was an elite level gymnast at Clarion University in the early eighties and helped her team win the National Championships. She will be visiting us again in the spring and for both weeks of summer camp

A dinner and cocktails featuring Todd Blackledge, Sportscaster for CBS, was held April 22, 2000 to benefit the START FOUNDATION and the UNITED SPORTS FOUNDATION.

As a former strong arm for the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, Todd held the record at Penn State for touchdown passes. In 1983 Todd became the first quarterback to lead Joe Paterno’s Nittney Lions to a National Championship before becoming a first round NFL draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Todd entertained a packed house with behind the scenes stories of life as an athlete at Penn State University, under legendary coach Joe Paterno. His presentation included poignant and inspiring experiences as a professional football player and what it take to be a "Difference Maker". The evenings activities included a silent auction featuring many items including autographed footballs and videos, rare coins, a vacation package and a uniform signed by the entire World Champion US Womens Soccer Team. Children of the guest participated in a series of activities at United Sports including soccer, basketball, a big screen video movie and mountain climbing.

For more celebrity events visit United Sports Training Center and the START Foundation website.