Rainbow of 19 138 cupcakes at Jeugland sets new record
It was an attempt to beat the Guinness World Record held by Spar.
Although the Raising Aidan Foundation missed the world record, the 19 138 cupcakes displaying a rainbow have set a record for a pull-apart cake at Hoërskool Jeugland on Saturday.
Hands were joined to beat the Guinness World Record of 33 660 cupcakes set by Spar in 2015.
Even though the number of cupcakes did not come close to beating those of Spar, the foundation was still proud to undertake the challenge and said this was a noble and worthwhile cause as it would benefit people who suffer from cancer.
Lori Wessels, the event co-ordinator, said it took 900 volunteers to make the attempt a success.
“This project was a collaboration among various partners, namely the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (Choc), The Raising Aidan Foundation and schools. Every single person involved here today had a personal connection to the day, in one way or the other.”
“We do not think the press or people out there realise what this all entailed. We had volunteers from 20 something schools who all came together.
“Jeugland as the hosting school has been absolutely amazing. We have just been so blessed.”
She said the rainbow that was displayed by the cupcakes was a symbol that everyone under the rainbow should be acknowledged and be helped and that there should be no exclusions.
“Overall, there were close to a thousand people involved who pulled all of us together. Whether they were here in person or whether it was an anonymous donation or a deposit somewhere, it all helped.
“We had people from Delmas sending us cakes, we had people from as far as Rustenburg and the Free State doing the same. We have also had donations from Australia and the UK.
She extended her thanks to everyone who was part of the project.
Melissa Botha, the founder and CEO of The Raising Aidan Foundation, whose son was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Costello Syndrome when he was 18 months old, said: “This is our launch event because we wanted to create some awareness of the foundation – hence the attempt to break the Guinness World Record. But it is all about community participation.
“It is all about getting the foundation’s brand name out alongside that of Choc. Our goal is to help families with special needs. So many families go without help because of medical and related expenses – be it therapy or visits to the doctor.”
“Every cupcake will be donated to about ten charities in and around Johannesburg. These include orphanages, hospitals, old age homes and special care homes. We have asked people to bid on the cupcakes because that is where our proceeds are going to be coming from.
“We have asked for a minimum of R2 per cupcake and from there, we will be able to donate the cupcakes but keep the proceeds for our recipients,” Botha added.
