STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Guinness World Record for the largest human puzzle piece was broken Wednesday morning, as a sea of humans draped in blue stood side by side to advocate for autism awareness and acceptance at St. George’s Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
It took a total of 2,423 people -- including children, parents, teachers, business owners, non-profit organizations and local leaders -- to set the new record at the Puzzle for Autism event. The previous record was set in 2019 by the Association for the Protection of Persons with Autism–Pervasive Developmental Disorders (P.D.D.) with 1,702 people in Maniakoi, Greece, according to records.
The GRACE Foundation -- which is committed to increasing the quality of life for children, teens, adults and families living with autism -- brought the vision back on track this year, pulling together over 60 non-profits, schools, elected officials and businesses to join the event. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve White for the Staten Islan
“It was an honor to come here and be part of the largest human puzzle piece. I know it meant a lot for our students to be part of such a big event, which is very exciting,” said Raquel Cipriano, a teacher at the Richard H. Hungerford School. “It was a very inclusive event, and there was something for everyone to do. The students were very, very comfortable.”
The District 75 school serves students with special needs and is located on the grounds of the Michael J. Petrides Education Complex.
Originally, non-profits across Staten Island planned Puzzle for Autism event two years ago, however the pandemic was in full force, and the event never happened.
The GRACE Foundation -- which is committed to increasing the quality of life for children, teens, adults and families living with autism -- brought the vision back on track this year, pulling together over 60 non-profits, schools, elected officials and businesses to join the event.
“This is something that’s been thought about pre-COVID. And now we got a group of a great committee together to try and form the largest human puzzle piece for autism acceptance,” Cathy Del Priore, organizer of the event and the executive director of the GRACE Foundation, said. “The best way to do it was to come together as one and to show that we’re one voice -- we’re not just a piece of a puzzle, we make up many pieces.”
It took a total of 2,423 people -- including children, parents, teachers, business owners, non-profit organizations and local leaders -- to set the new record for the largest human puzzle piece. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White for the Staten Islan
The enthralling experience was captured by drones flying across the New York City skyline to capture thousands wearing blue, the color that represents calmness and acceptance, in honor of autism. For Debra Denmark of Prince’s Bay, a mother of a son who has Phelan Mcdermid Syndrome, it was a moving moment.
“As a parent of a child with special needs, it was remarkable to take part in setting a world record. My son Drew, who is on the spectrum and non-verbal, was smiling wide as the drone passed -- a crystal clear indicator that he enjoyed taking part in this amazing community event, as well,” Denmark said.
“As a parent of a child with special needs, it was remarkable to take part in setting a world record. My son Drew, who is on the spectrum and non-verbal, was smiling wide as the drone passed -- a crystal clear indicator that he enjoyed taking part in this amazing community event, as well,” Debra Denmark said. Pictured is Mike Bloomfield (left) and Drew Denmark, 15, (right) (Courtesy of Debra Denmark)
Now that the record has been set, Mike Bloomfield, president of Tekie Geek, a sponsor of the event, said he hopes to see a continuous journey in supporting those with developmental disabilities.
“Hopefully, year after year, now we can turn this into an ongoing fundraiser event in the future, where the local non-profits can benefit. This is something to start to actually benefit and get proceeds to go to the local organizations,” Bloomfield said.
“The one thing many people in Staten Island know is we are community-driven ...," said Dan Ryan, senior advertising director at the Advance/SILive.com, pictured here holding the Guinness World Record certificate. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve White for the Staten Islan
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Wednesday’s record was set to celebrate and show support to those living with autism.
“The one thing many people in Staten Island know is we are community-driven, and to be there underneath the skyline of Manhattan, but smashing the Guinness Book of World Records in Staten Island with the involvement of the community that puts us all together ... we, all of Staten Island, makes a big piece of the puzzle of New York,” said Dan Ryan, senior advertising director at the Advance/SILive.com, which was a sponsor of the event.
In addition to the Advance/SILive.com the Puzzle for Autism event was a collaboration between: Staten Island FerryHawks; The GRACE Foundation of NY; Tekie Geek; On Your Mark; Eden II; A Very Special Place; Lifestyles for the Disabled; Community Resources; Person Centered Care Services; The Integrated Athletic Initiative; Catholic Charities of Staten Island; PrCision; Pathways to Graduation; The Carl V Bini Fund, and Marvel Consults.
For more photos from the event, view the gallery below.
