JesseFontaine.ca

We set out to break a Guinness World Record and to raise funds for World Vision. I am so pleased to say that both goals were accomplished. The record for the longest continuous air hockey marathon, previously standing at 20 hours, fell to our time of 28 hours. We didn’t quite reach the fundraising goal of $10,000, but the 6575 dollars that were raised will go a long way in caring for the abused and neglected street children of Pir Wadhai. Funds are continuing to come in so we might raise more yet!

What impressed me the most throughout this whole journey was the selfless support from so many people who were incredibly generous with both their donations as well as with their time. It is astounding to see how the members of my church were fully behind this: from letting us use the building, to financial support, volunteering at the event itself, and praying. This was not only greatly encouraging, but it also made success possible.

Such support was not limited to my church, the members of Breanna’s church, Grace Bible Chapel, donated and filled much needed spots on our witness time-sheet. Much thanks is due to my good friend Mike Daoust who ran the live stream, social media updates, filming, and scoreboard. It is not an overstatement to say that this event probably would not have worked without Mike.

Then there are the people who stayed up with us all night long. Peggy Bendell had to hear the times of our scores 1202 times. Jo-anne Broughton coordinated the timesheets and witnesses, a vital and complicated job. My mom and dad also prepared food for us and gave us drinks.

Thanks is also due to all of our witnesses who took time out of their day (and in some cases their night) to watch us play. Without their presence we could not authenticate the record claim.

The efforts of Brad Saunders made this possible as well. From the start he believed that this crazy idea could work. Without his professional guidance, advice, and support this certainly could not have happened. Wally Bidwell was involved and supportive from the very start. His work and insight was of great value.

Breanna Broughton was so encouraging, helpful and supportive. Her determination during the record attempt was remarkable. I’m so glad that she was willing to be my opponent. If anyone beats this record after us, she is the one I would pick to defend it.

I suppose this post would be thousands of words long if I were to fully describe how each person contributed. Thankfully God knows the full extent of everyone’s service.

Looking back on the challenge that planning and executing this event was, I had no idea it would be so difficult. Contacting business sponsors, making videos, typing documents, emailing and so many other tasks were incredibly time consuming. This was especially difficult during the school year. Even so, it was certainly worth every minute. I would absolutely love to use the experience that I’ve gained in the future, with other fundraisers.

Thanks again to all who helped. Together we made history, and (pending Guinness’s approval) we will hold a spot in the record book!