IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced it is teaming up with a leading midway attractions company to raise money for charity.
Jim Pattison Jr., vice-chair of the Board of Directors for IAAPA and president of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, is shaving his beard at IAAPA Expo and adding it to “Hoss” – a huge characterised hairball and current contender for a new Guinness World Record.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Pattison told his team he wouldn’t shave until all Ripley’s worldwide attractions were reopened – over 100 attractions in 10 countries. Today, Ripley’s says it has successfully and safely reopened attractions in all but two countries.
IAAPA Expo 2021, taking place in-person for the first time in two years, offers Pattison an ideal platform to finally shave his pandemic beard and launch a new fundraising initiative. The current record for Largest Ball of Human Hair according to Guinness World Records is a weight of 167 pounds, which is on course to be beaten with the help of thousands making the journey to Orlando.
Get involved
Officially launching 15 November 2021, Ripley’s “Shave the Beard & Make it Weird!” campaign was created to support Give Kids The World Village, a non-profit organisation.
Based in Central Florida, the 89-acre venue provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong “wish vacations” at no cost.
Attendees of IAAPA Expo are encouraged to get involved by adding their own hair to “Hoss the Hairball” for Give Kids The World Village (booth #4233) on the show floor. Visitors do not have to contribute hair to make a charitable donation, however for each donation made, Ripley’s will match it up to a total of $10,000.
Long-standing partnership
Pattison says “Initially created by stylist Steve Warden, Hoss eclipsed 100 pounds in 2019. Since then, over 1,000 Ripley’s fans have personally contributed to the hairball’s weight. With over 20,000 attendees expected to take part in the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, we are hopeful we will surpass the World Record – all in the name of a good cause!”
Pamela Landwirth, president and CEO of Give Kids The World Village comments “With a shared goal of inspiring, supporting, and spreading joy to families, Ripley’s has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with our non-profit organisation.
“Ripley’s continues its support by matching the donations raised by the Hoss Hairball up to $10,000, with all proceeds donated to make dreams come true for families facing unimaginable challenges.”
Earlier this week, IAAPA announced the winners of a number of accolades, including its IAAPA Service Awards, IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award and inductees to the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
Images: IAAPA/Ripley’s Entertainment Inc.
