Dedicated people from all over the world have worked to set crazy world records for years. The largest bubblegum bubble blown, the fastest time to enter a suitcase, and the largest collection of rubber ducks is just a sampling of these mind-blowing records.
This holiday season, on Dec. 12, 502 Fairfield County residents set a new record for the Guiness Book of World Records: the most number of people going door to door caroling
Caroling is a holiday tradition that takes place just about everywhere. Nick Massoud ’14, an Orphenian, learned this holiday season what Buddy the Elf, from the movie “Elf,” meant when he said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.“
For Massoud, it’s a very personal experience.
“When you carol, you are standing right with the people you are performing for, looking in their eyes and seeing the expressions they make as they listen to you,” Massoud said.
But as culture and traditions are changing, caroling, a longstanding practice, has become less popular. One Voice, a community initiative run by the Unitarian Church of Westport, worked not only to restore this tradition, but to do something incredibly noteworthy during the holiday season.
Jim Keenan, a member of the Unitarian Church, was the force behind the One Voice event. After caroling for the first time last year, Keenan wanted to do it on a larger scale for the 2012 holiday season.
“I came up with the idea after caroling mainly to shut-ins and it was a big hit. I told everyone that we would set a record the next time. They all laughed, but I looked into it and successfully got the Guinness World Records to agree to establish the record,” said Keenan.
According to Laura Steinbrecher, a coordinator for One Voice, interest in the event was immediate. In early December the event was nearly sold out. Additionally, national and local media covered the event, which increased its potential for success.
Setting this world record was not an easy feat. More than 250 people had to participate on a predetermined route through the town of Westport. Maddie Saveliff ’13 and 13 of her family members caroled to break the record and to experience the sense of community. “It was really special because, when you looked around, everyone had a smile on their face. I got to sing my favorite carol, ‘Santa Clause is Coming to Town,’ and it’s still in my head,” Saveliff said.
Motivation for continuing through the winter night came from breaking the record, the carolers soldiered on to raise money for the Lily Sarah Grace Fund, a foundation started after three young girls, Lily, Sarah, and Grace Badger, died in a fire on Christmas Day 2011 in Stamford, Conn.. Keenan gave much thought to his decision.
“We found a cool fund that supports the arts in underfunded elementary schools,” Keenan said. “Since the event is musical, and the fund can help schools in our area, the charity seemed like a natural fit.”
Schools and youth groups from all over Fairfield County joined One Voice on their quest for the world record. Included in that were the Staples Student Ambassadors. Staples Orphenians are not participating in this event, but will carol in their own way in New York City and downtown Westport, performing at tree-lighting ceremonies and luncheons.
Sarah Cooperman ’13, a member of Orphenians, treasures the traditions formed throughout history. “These are events we have done for years, and it’s so fun to see the community having fun and valuing our hard work,” Cooperman said.
This holiday season has been nothing short of magical, with the cheerful performances of One Voice and the Orphenians among the many. Besides breaking records and raising money, these organizations just enjoy the spirit caroling brings.
For Cooperman, like Massoud, it is the audience that excites her the most. “I love seeing [them], no matter where we are, get excited about our performances. Whether they’re bobbing their heads, jangling their keys, or just stopping to listen, it’s nice to see the community come together around music during this time of year.”
