For some people, spring break means a week of beaches, bikinis, and beverages.
But for those on NBC's Today last week, it meant a chance at history and making a difference. The iconic morning show hosted "Spring Breakers" week and invited seven groups with their eyes set on glory to the party. Each day featured at least one official attempt at a Guinness World Records title.
Some succeeded and some failed, but five of the seven also raised both awareness and funds for a variety of charities. Here's a look at the causes benefitted by each record.
HEAVIEST VEHICLE PULLED IN HIGH HEELS (FEMALE)
Lia Grimanis of Toronto understands the struggle facing millions of women. A one-time homeless person herself, Grimanis now fights to raise awareness for women going through similar struggles. On this platform, she attempted the heaviest vehicle pulled in high heels (female). Needing to pull a vehicle at least 10,000 lb (4,536 kg), Lia went with gusto for a 15,000+ lb (6,800+ kg) truck.
Despite falling short, Grimanis' valiant attempt didn't go unnoticed. Not only was her cause spotlighted, but she inspired a donation of $25,000 (£14,932) from Walmart to her championed charity, Women in Need.
MOST HEADS SHAVED IN ONE HOUR
The midpoint of the week would see dozens of people making a wonderful personal sacrifice for a great cause. With volunteer barber David Alexander at the helm, the St. Baldrick's Foundation saw its attempt at the most heads shaved in one hour come down to the very last minute, as Alexander shaved head No. 73 (the previous record was 72) with 11 seconds to spare.
After all the scalps were shorn and hair swept away, $9,022 (£5,389) had been raised during this attempt alone, adding to the $212 (£126) million raised for child cancer research by St. Baldrick's since its founding in 2000.
LARGEST EXERCISE BALL CLASS
Australian super-trainer Michelle Bridges came to New York City last week for one reason: leave with a world record. And for those who've seen her shows or read her books, they knew failure was no option. Bridges made 353 people feel the burn for 30 minutes in both Rockefeller Plaza and the famed Rockefeller Center.
But Bridges was not without a more altruistic goal either. Her successful attempt led ConAgra Foods and P&G to donate $100,000 (£59,731) to one of Bridges' favorite charities, Feeding America.
LONGEST CARTOON STRIP BY A TEAM
The record-breaking week concluded in a big way - literally. HarperCollins publishers and author Lincoln Peirce of the popular "Big Nate" comic strip and children's book series combined to unveil the longest cartoon strip by a team, which spanned nearly 4,000 ft and unwound throughout all Rockefeller Center.
Peirce contributed five personal panels to the strip itself, while others were drawn by and collected from hundreds of school children around the world. Thanks to the successful attempt, HarperCollins announced it would donate $10,000 (£5,973) worth of books to First Book, a non-profit organization that provides books and educational resources to children in need.
Did any of the "Spring Breakers" inspire you or your group to attempt a record of your own? Make sure to contact the Guinness World Records events management team with your organization's details.
