The concept was born out of one of the simplest things in the world: a YouTube video.
Lucky Levinson, co-owner of Columbia-area clothing store Brittons, has held the title of most viewed bowtie-tying tutorial on YouTube for some time. Out of this video came a greater idea.
Brittons contacted USC Dance Marathon to pitch an idea that would quickly snowball into a landmark event for Columbia. From these humble beginnings, the Tie Us Together event was born.
The goal was set: to break the world record for most bowties tied at one time. And this Sunday, the dream came true.
Students and bowtie enthusiasts alike gathered at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Sunday afternoon with the hope of shattering the previous record of 417 bowties. Brittons organized for a Guinness World Records observer to attend, and as of 4 p.m. Sunday, the new record is a staggering 820.
Like Dance Marathon’s other events, Tie Us Together was held in support of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Columbia’s local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
“We just wanted to help kids in another way beyond our regular no-sit event, so when Brittons contacted us about this, we were excited,” said Taylor Foster,a fourth-year nursing student and co-coordinator of the event. “Bowties are really a fashion statement in the south, so this seemed perfect for Columbia’s first attempt at a world record.”
Guest appearances at the event, which opened doors at 2 p.m. Sunday and started officially at 4, included a capella group the Carolina Gentlemen, local band Seventy Six and Sunny, comedian Mike Goodwin and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. A corn hole station, a Southern Tide sponsor booth and mirrors for those who needed more practice on their tying techniques were ready for participants to use and enjoy.
Volunteers were plentiful for those who weren’t confident in their own bowtie-tying abilities. As a result, participation wasn’t limited to veterans of Southern men’s fashion, but included many newcomers to bowties, which raised the final tally by a considerable amount.
“I first heard about it through a few friends who participate in [Dance Marathon],” first-year mechanical engineering student Ed Stewart said. “I thought it would be cool to do something I know like tying a bowtie for a big event like this. I’m really glad to help out and raise awareness for such a good cause.”
For officially breaking the world record, Dance Marathon was awarded a certifying plaque by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator.
Dance Marathon has raised over a million dollars in support of the hospital, and fundraising numbers continue to grow every year.