On July 16, 2018, the television show "Breaking History" set the world record for the longest bandana chain. Shefik with his friend and colleague Baroness Olga Papkovitch Von Siebenburgen participated in the record-setting event, to honor heroism of Welles Remy Crowther, known for saving lives during the September 11 attacks. A total of 10,920 red bandannas were tied together in a chain reaching an astounding 2.2 miles. People from across the country gathered in NYC's Central Park to break the current world record of 7,652 bandanas tied end-to-end. 10,920 -- that’s the number of red bandanas that volunteers tied together to break a world record and to honor a fallen 9/11 hero.....
NEW YORK — On Monday, July 16, 2018, the television show "Breaking History" (http://breakinghistory.tv) set the world record for the longest bandana chain. Media personality Shefik (http://shefik.info) participated in the record-setting event, and he will be featured in the broadcast of the show, along with around 100 other participants. The event was held at the iconic outdoor amphitheater Naumburg Bandshell, located within a vibrant area of Central Park, in New York City.
Above Photo Caption: Shefik is pictured with Baroness Olga Papkovitch, television host Ryan Avery, and film director Matthew Weiss.
"'Breaking History' is all about bringing people together to break world records around big issues affecting our communities," says keynote speaker Ryan Avery, Host of "Breaking History". "One issue in particular we wanted to address was having the younger generation remember the importance of 9/11 and remember all those who gave their lives, or saved lives during the attacks. To see everyone from across the nation come together on Monday, July 16th to break this world record is testimony to how many people want to give thanks in remembrance, and to show their support. It was a world record to remember, and I am proud of everyone who showed up to break history with us!"
Above: Ryan Avery
All participants were required to tie together red bandanas end-to-end, intended to honor the memory and heroism of Welles Remy Crowther (May 17, 1977 - September 11, 2001), an American equities trader known for saving at least a dozen lives during the September 11 attacks in New York City, during which he lost his own life at 24-years-old. According to survivor accounts, Crowther saved as many as 18 people following the attacks. At the National September 11 Memorial & Museum (located at the World Trade Center site, the former location of the Twin Towers that were destroyed during the September 11 attacks), he is memorialized at the South Pool, on Panel S-50.
Within a matter of hours, a total of 10,920 red bandannas were tied together in a chain reaching an astounding 2.28 miles (the height of all four sides of the Twin Towers). The previous record was 7,652. The accounting firm Marcum LLP was on-hand to certify the accomplishment in an official capacity. Crowther's mother, Alison Crowther, tied the last bandanna to complete the world record attempt, while his father, Jefferson Crowther, looked with pride.
During the May 15, 2014 dedication of the museum, President Barack Obama said of Crowther, "They didn't know his name. They didn't know where he came from. But, they knew their lives had been saved by the man in the red bandana. He called for fire extinguishers to fight back the flames. He tended to the wounded. He led those survivors down the stairs to safety, and carried a woman on his shoulders down 17 flights. Then, he went back. Back up all those flights. Then, back down again, bringing more wounded to safety. Until that moment when the tower fell."
Crowther was the subject of the 2017 feature documentary "Man in Red Bandana" (https://maninredbandana.com). The film is the debut effort of writer and director Matthew Weiss. He first learned of Crowther's remarkable story over lunch with his Crowther's father. Weiss was amazed and inspired. He quickly decided that everyone should hear this story and obtained the permission and blessing to make "Man in Red Bandana". With Michelle Verdi as Executive Producer, Chad A. Verdi and Joshua Sason each served as Producer. Academy Award winner and Emmy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow narrated the film, and 4-time Grammy Award winner Lyle Lovett performed an original song, titled "One Red Bandana".
"As memorialized in my film, 'Man in Red Bandana', about Welles Remy Crowther, the red bandana has come to symbolize courage, selflessness, and sacrifice. We're honored to join together a record number of bandanas to remind the world about 9/11 and its heroes."
Above: film director Matthew Weiss
"I am fascinated by the heroism and championship of Welles Remy Crowther," adds Shefik. "It is quite humbling to have participated in a world record-breaking event, which not only honors his selfless actions, but also heralds the efforts of first responders."
At the event, Shefik was accompanied by his friend and colleague Baroness Olga Papkovitch, a humanitarian of Russian descent, and a fashion designer at PopImpressKA Art Couture (https://popimpresska.com). She is also a Knight of the Orthodox Order of Saint John Russian Grand Priory (OOSJ), an ancient ministry that promotes love, dignity of life, and aiding the poor and less fortunate.
"When 9/11 happened, I was working at The Plaza hotel in New York City. Our hotel hosted survival victims and families of people who tragically died, as well as the fire and police rescue teams with their K9s who worked at ground zero, and medical staff," says Baroness Olga. "When we worked with these people, all of us became different. I wanted to honor the memory of Welles Remy Crowther and pay tribute to him — and everyone else who is part of this tragedy. But, to be honest with you, the world has changed since that day."
More Images from the World Record Attempt on July 16, 2018 below:
About Shefik
Currently celebrating over 20 years in the entertainment and technology industries, Shefik (http://shefik.info) is an accomplished industry insider, who has appeared on MTV, SiriusXM, PBS, network television, and in print media, as well as internationally on TRT World (Turkey). He has held senior-level positions at many Fortune 500 companies and celebrated brands, including IBM, NBCUniversal, MTV World, Merck, and Wolters Kluwer.
#BreakingHistory Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust
About 'Shefik presents Invocation'
Aptly titled Shefik presents Invocation, the nationally-syndicated radio show is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking journey through musical discovery and appreciation that spans the decades. The show is currently broadcast on 22 terrestrial radio stations and frequencies throughout the United States. Each one-hour episode, executive-produced and hosted by media personality Shefik, highlights one relatable focal point (chosen by Shefik), along with an accompanying playlist of songs (curated by Shefik), encompassing a unique thematic concept that invigorates the audience with creative impact. Top recording artists, actors, business executives, politicians, community leaders, and other special guests are invited to offer their own commentary on the weekly topic, as a supplement to Shefik's engaging mindset. The radio show's online hub at invocation.co serves as a conduit for discussion of the show, while featuring related videos and auxiliary content. The journey continues right here and everywhere.
About Baroness Olga Papkovitch Von Siebenburgen
At the age of nineteen, Olga moved from St. Petersburg, Russia to California as a student at Santa Barbara City College before transferring to The Art Student League of New York. After creating a clothing and accessory collection in 2008, Olga went on to become the CEO and founder of PopImpressKA Journal.
Drawing attention from across the globe, she projects her paintings onto silk fabric, creating a walking canvas of stylish, nature-enthused designs. The classy, elegant and fiercely spirited collection was also inspired by frequent trips to the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. She finds inspiration in the work of the Flemish old masters, impressionism and her mother. Alla Papkovich was the catering director of the Kirov (Mariinsky) Ballet Theatre in Saint Petersburg. At the age of twelve, Olga fell in love with stage and costume design that surrounded her at the theater. Although she chose not to pursue ballet herself, Olga uses the paintbrush to dance along a canvas and with every stroke brings to life a vibrancy and solace.
As a young girl she was also fascinated by the American quilting tradition. Channeling her fascination, Olga progressed to make unique, collage like creations, printed on a variety of silks. The PopImpressKA collection is art inspired by nature, that will always be in vogue. And the name is derived from the Russian word ‘Popka’ , which translates as parrot, hence the pulsating and rich colors. Olga’s positive and vivacious personality is reflected in her designs and radiates powerful sophistication and grace.
“To impress the serene beauty of nature in a kaleidoscope of elegant fashion” is Olga’s motto.
Baroness Olga has been involved in a wide array of charities including art auctions, successfully raising a generous quantity for the Children with Cancer Foundation, “Locks of Love”, Ordre des Chevaliers Hospitaliers de St. John de Jerusalem, the Marsden Cancer Hospital in London, one of the most highly praised charities of the late Princess Diana.
“It’s important to be kind and compassionate in this world. Through my charitable art donations I hope to inspire other people as well, to do good and create more love and understanding”.
This past February NYFW PopImpressKA Art Couture by Baroness Olga Papkovitch presented a benefit at The MAAC to help the relief efforts for Puerto Rico. This September SS'19 NYFW her fashion show was also dedicated to a very important cause - Cancer Fighters LLC. This Charitable event was organized in collaboration with Three times Cancer Survivor, Artist Manager and President for the Organization The Cancer Fighters INC. at Adal Events & Productions Fernando Bernierd.
As a S.E. Dame of GCLR, DCSB, DOOSJ, DCSG, Baroness Olga Papkovitch is committed to the ancient ministry, promoting love, dignity and aiding the poor and less fortunate.
MORE PRESS LINKS:
10,920 Red Bandanas and a New Record Honors Fallen 9/11 Hero
https://971talk.radio.com/articles/10920-red-bandanas-and-new-record-honors-fallen-911-hero
