Nonprofit illuminates the most landmarks in 24 hours NEW YORK , Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smile Train , the world's largest cleft-focused organization, secured its second GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title in as many years. The latest is for the "Most Landmarks Illuminated in 24 Hours.
" In celebration of World Smile Day ® on October 4, 2024 , Smile Train lit up 64 iconic landmarks across the globe, surpassing the previous record of 56, held by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The vibrant display was part of Smile Train's Lighting Up the World with Smiles global campaign and in commemoration of the organization's 25 th anniversary. The display shined a light on Smile Train's solidarity with and support for children with clefts, a life-altering (and sometimes life-threatening) facial difference that can cause challenges with eating, breathing, speaking, and hearing.
Clefts are the most common facial difference globally – every three minutes a baby is born with a cleft, affecting around 1 in 700 newborns. "Our global illumination exemplifies the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause," said, Susannah Schaefer , president and CEO, Smile Train. "We are thrilled to have set this new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title, which not only celebrates our commitment to the cleft community but also raises awareness about clefts and the incredible work we are doing to support cleft-affected children worldwide.
Each illuminated site served as a beac.