 From left, Kiwanis Committee members: Kiwanis Treasurer Jane Slack; Kiwanis member and OSMH Sponsor Penny Stuart; Kiwanis President Mike Griffin; Kiwanis Secretary Linda Bamberger and Kiwanis Past President Jim Connerty. |
On Sept. 13, by gathering an estimated 2,718 boats in one raft and raising more than $100,000, One Square Mile of Hope and Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks of Old Forge unofficially regained their place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The goal was simple: beat the record and regain our title as World Record Holder, at the same time raising funds for a great cause. One difference from the 2008 and 2011 events, held in Inlet, NY, was that the committee is planning to be able to disperse the funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention at a more local level.
On Nov. 20, 2013, it was announced that the Suttons Bay Flotilla in Michigan had set a new Guinness World Record for the "Largest Raft of canoes and kayaks" at 2,099 with its attempt this past August, breaking the record of 1,902 set in Inlet in 2011. The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks and the One Square Mile of Hope 2014 committee formed a strategic partnership with the goal of retaking the record while again raising funds to help with breast cancer research and awareness.
This year the primary recipient of the funds raised will be the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, located in New York City. In addition, it was recently announced that $10,000 of the proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer research at the Upstate Cancer Center at University Hospital and another $10,000 will be directed toward pediatric cancer care through the Clara Condie Fund at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. The major beneficiary for this year's event, which hopes to reach $100,000 in total donations, is The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Kiwanis President Mike Griffin states "The joint efforts of One Square Mile of Hope and Central Adirondack Kiwanis and the hundreds of volunteers both on and off the water make this attempt to set a anew record successful. Kiwanis was both honored and excited to be working on such a worthwhile project along with the great people on the OSMH committee"
Connie Perry and Carolyn Belknap, Co-Chairs of One Square Mile of Hope 2014 agree: "We were thrilled to be partnering with the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks on our third One Square Mile of Hope challenge. We will once again be raising funds to eradicate breast cancer and to provide support to individuals who have been diagnosed with this disease. The enthusiastic support of our local Kiwanis organization is matched by the excitement of previous participants, and the unwavering dedication and determination of the OSM committee. Together, we made a difference on September 13, 2014 in support of a great cause."
On Sept. 24, 2011, in what was thought of as a friendly "David and Goliath" competition between Pittsburgh, PA, and Inlet, One Square Mile of Hope set a new Guinness world record with 1,902 canoes kayaks, and guide boats. The event raised over $80,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
(Posted September 20, 2014)
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