The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks is joining with the One Square Mile of Hope Committee in its attempt to regain its place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest raft of canoes and kayaks, in an event that will be held on September 13, 2014.
One Square Mile of Hope events held in 2008 and 2011 in Inlet, which raised funds for breast cancer research, were successful in breaking the standing records.
However, it was announced on November 20, 2013 that the Suttons Bay Flotilla in Michigan had set a new record in August by assembling 2,099 vessels, breaking Inlet’s 2011 record of 1,902.
The 2014 event will continue to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, but some of the funds will also be directed at a more local level. OSM’s 2011 event raised over $80,000.
The mission of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health.
Currently, 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs.
“Our goals are simple—beat the record and regain our title as World Record Holder while at the same time raise funds for a great cause,” said OSM committee member Adele Burnett.
Co-chairs of One Square Mile of Hope 2014 are Connie Perry and Carolyn Belknap.
Kiwanis members Jane Slack, Linda Bamberger and Jim Connerty will represent Kiwanis on the OSM committee.
The committee is aware of several challenges already planned for summer 2014.
The New Hampshire Lake Association will make an attempt on August 3 on Lake Winni-pesau-kee, and Vashon Youth & Family Services on Vashon Island in Washington will try August 17th.
They also expect a challenge in August from Floatzilla in Rock Island, IL, and possibly another attempt by Michigan’s Suttons Bay Flotilla.
Online registration is currently available at onesquaremileofhope.org.
If you would like to volunteer, donate, or help sponsor the 2014 event please contact Adele Burnett or Mitch Lee at the Inlet Information Office by calling (315) 357-5501 or email info@onesquaremileofhope.org.
