Dad Sets World High-Fiving Record in Times Square

Sam Kass of West Nyack set a new Guinness World Record with the help of some friendly strangers in Times Square. The 49-year-old dad collected 3,132 high-fives in a 24-hour period, standing in the middle of the tourist hub and asking anyone nearby to give his gloved hand a good slap. His son told the Daily News, "I never thought my dad would be one of those crazies in Times Square. But here he is."

In an interview with LoHud, Kass said he never planned on breaking any world records, but was inspired by an article in Sports Illustrated. He said, "The article mentioned that there was actually a world record in the Guinness Book. The record is 3,131, set outside of a Dunkin' Donuts in Providence, R.I., in 2008. I made an off-handed remark to my son that if a guy could get that many in that place, imagine how many I could get in Times Square."

The stunt wasn't just for fun; Kass high-fived his way through the crowds to raise money the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Center. He also said he doesn't want the next person to break the record to have it as easy as he did. "I want to keep going," said Kass after his record breaking high-five. "I don't want any other crazy to think about breaking the mark I set here today."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jaya Saxena in Arts and Events on August 22, 2010 11:25 AM

Comments [rss]

blondeinthecity

This article is wrong! He actually finished yesterday around 3pm with a total of 7,669 high fives!

boogpowell

Why did he stop once he got 1 over the old record? Thats BS. And what's with the glove? Its not a true high five unless skin touches skin. I think this record is very beatable.

lexicondevil

That's a terrible total. Only two per minute.

Gothamist_Cynic

Hopefully he washed his hands afterwards.

freddynyc

Is this a coming out party of sorts?

RevWaldo

"Otto Kornglass, a passerby who was then inspired to set the world record for consecutive chest bumps, was later in the day rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition."