Guinness World records has advised One Square Mile of Hope and Central Adirondack Kiwanis "We are thrilled to inform you that your application for Largest raft of canoes/kayaks has been successful and you are now the Guinness World Record Title Holder!"
On Sept. 13 by gathering an estimated 3,150 boats in one raft and raising nearly $185,000, One Square Mile of Hope (OSMH) and Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks of Old Forge regained its place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
More than 3,150 boats with participants from 31 states, 2 Canadian provinces, Thailand and Belgium converged on Fourth Lake in Inlet to shatter the Guinness World Record for the largest raft of canoes, kayaks and guide boats. The raft, held together only by hands, fulfilled a Guinness rule by free-floating for at least 30 seconds. A seaplane carrying photographer Nancie Battaglia flew overhead capturing what will become Inlet's third record-breaking event. A second plane, piloted by Jim Payne, containing videographer Lori Diemer who recorded the moment for the Guinness Committee.
By using a high-resolution photo of the raft and inserting individual map pins into the photo, the OSMH team was able to count at least 3,150 boats. This information was submitted and is now confirmed that 3,150 is the new world record by Guinness World Book of Records.
This year the primary recipient of the funds raised will be the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), located in New York City. So far $75,000 has been committed to BCRF, $10,000 to Upstate Cancer Center at University Hospital, $10,000 to the Clara Condie Fund at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital and $5,000 to Central Adirondack Kiwanis.
Jim Connerty, Kiwanis Past President and OSMH committee member stated, "The joint efforts of OSMH and Kiwanis and the hundreds of volunteers both on and off the water made this attempt to set a new world record successful. All the Kiwanis members who participated were 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 commented: " Kudos to Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks and the One Square Mile of Hope Committee for returning the record to Inlet that has once again lived up to its title of the Little Town That Could". Carolyn and Connie presented a check for $5,000 to Kiwanis to aid Kiwanis in their service to the children of the Central Adirondack Community. They also presented a certificate thanking Kiwanis for partnering in One Square Mile of Hope.
Connie and Carolyn also commented, "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."
(Posted December 21, 2014)
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