Sunday, November 9th, 2008...10:37 pm
The Candy Man
It was quite a sight. 8000 pounds of candy pouring from the belly of the Worlds Largest Piñata. There were approximately 300 paid film extras who didn’t need much direction as when the candy fell they rushed forward, arms open wide ready to embrace Mr. M&M and Mrs. Tootsie Roll.
On a serious note I should mention that having 300 people charging toward the candy was a sight to see……….and that was in a controlled environment.
Imagine what thousands of people doing that would have resulted in……….it does not bear thinking about.
So, what happens to the candy now? Well, it will be boxed up and divided between these charities:
PHILABUNDANCE – biggest hunger relief organization in Philadelphia.
YMCA – they have 11 different locations in the area.
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE – they provide comfortable and affordable accommodation for families with seriously ill kids.
TRAVELERS AID FAMILY RESIDENCE – providing shelter for families
DIGNITY HOUSING – Also providing shelter for families
So, there you go. Providing candy to those less fortunate makes this event extra special and I am proud to have been back here today to share in this special event.
It was a difficult time last week when the event was canceled and I apologize one more time to everyone who left disappointed.
However, we left today having broken a world record……..the second in 7 days……….we have two commercials in the can which will debut soon……and in the next few days the Candy Man will come calling and some young people will get some special treats which we hope will brighten their day.
Here is a look at what happened.
Cheers
J
32 Comments
November 9th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Bless your heart. It’s a shame that it had to complete this way but all is good now.
I can’t wait to see the final product!!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
November 9th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
John -
Why did you have to hire 300 extras? Big Ed & I could have filled the set up between the two of us (sorry, Ed – I had to say it).
I can’t wait to see the commercial.
Jon
November 9th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
John,
Well, it’s good that you did it this way so nobody got hurt. It’s a shame you couldn’t send some of that candy to our troops!
At least it now has an ending and I’m sure it is going to be a brilliant commercial! Can’t wait to see it!
Princess Susan
November 9th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
What a sight. I would have loved to have gotten just one piece of chocolate. I love that the candy is going to all those charities. Being a former “Philly” girl I can’t wait to see “my town” on tv. Thank you John for all you do. Heidi, I hope you are feeling okay and I bet you can’t wait for John to come home. Only 124 more days till we sail again and I will feel “at home” again.
November 9th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
John, I just can’t wait to see when they piece and edit all the scenes together for the commercial. I knew they had to have this final shoot to get the candy dropping and the people digging into it.
I’m sure all those charities will welcome all that candy maybe to fill stockings at CHRISTMAS.
BIG ED
November 9th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Looks like all turned out well. Paris is finally parted with her candy. Has that stuff been it there the entire time?? Eww!!
Great video blog. Keep up the good work!
Cheers!
Derek
November 9th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
My family has been on the receiving end of kindness from Ronald McDonald House. I’m glad that you were able to bring some joy to them and all of the other charities. It’s makes it all worth it.
November 9th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
It’s a shame it couldn’t have been done the first time but its done now and it looks great–that’s a lot of candy!
Hope you get back to warm Miami without any hassels!
November 9th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Wow, from the video the candy sounded like rain pouring down. It looked like the extras definitely had fun getting their loot also.
Now…we’re anxiously awaiting word on when giganto beach ball and pinata make their television debut.
November 10th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Brilliant job John and the rest of the team. Sorry we couldn’t see it in person, but safet is most important. And, as said before, we still had a great time.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:06 am
oh man. I wish I had known! I really wanted to see what happened. Sigh
November 10th, 2008 at 1:24 am
WTG JOHN,
Great video cant wait to see the rest tomorrow.I did get to see the event live but from a far less than a front row seat.. (wholes in the fence material)lol
I any case some very well deserving charities will get some much needed help through the donation of the candies.
And a big WTG to both you and the carnival Corp. for seeing the job thru.
The big question would be now that you have kicked off the FUNVILLE campaigne , do you finally get a well deserved break for a bit?????
Cant wait to read the blogs of what Heidi has planned for you when you get home.
In any case it was good to see you again, and please do get your hearing checked …..lol
Be Safe
Semper Fi
November 10th, 2008 at 6:59 am
FANTASTIC! What can I say, you FINALLY did it John! Can’t wait for the commercials! So, where to now John? What is your next adventure? I wrote to you thru Stephanie, hope to get an answer soon. Take care, a BIG Hug to Heidi and “Wee Little One”. When does she find out the sex of the baby, I figure around Christmas, am I right? I hope you will share the info. with all of us Auntie’s so we can shop for the “Wee Little One!”
Linda
November 10th, 2008 at 7:36 am
John…
How SPLENDID!!! WONDERFUL!!!
It’s great to see you and it’s great to know it’s happened!!!
Now I would have loved a big ball BAMming it, but the sound of a shower of candy… WOW!!!!
God Bless,
Lambie
November 10th, 2008 at 9:27 am
LambKnuckles
I’m sure with editing and special effects we will see the “big ball BAMming” the pinata in the commercial. The scene you see in this video is just the candy falling when the trap door was opened. It will be edited in to all the shots they took on the first Saturday and Sunday. On that first Saturday they shot a lot of crowd (extras) rushing toward the pinata and the crane moving into position.
BIG ED
November 10th, 2008 at 9:34 am
hey john
it would have been neet if a shinny new black ASTON MARTIN dropped out of that big belly.
you really need one,,,db9
from warm florida
tom & jane
November 10th, 2008 at 10:09 am
John,
WOW!!!!
What an awesome video. You are right in saying there would have been lots of injuries if this would have been done with the large crowd there. I am sure this will make a wonderful commercial and I can’t wait to see it!
Also, donating the candy to these charities is another great thing. I can tell you first had with having spent many nights in the Ronald McDonald houses when Cody has been admitted to the hospital, these families and children will be so greatful for this wonderful treatment.
I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. You have done such wonderful things for Carnival and all of your blogger friends.
Many Blessings
Cindy B
November 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am
John, I am so happy that everything went off so well. Giving the candy to the organizations that Carnival gave it to, was the right thing to do.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Hi John,
Can’t wait to see those commercials.
Were you in Philly long enough to see my Football Giants whup the Eagles?
Safe journeys,
Carol
November 10th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hi John,
Carnival should have sent the candy to the troops. They deserve something like this. They’ve certainly earned it.
Next year Carnvial would have had to give the candy to the goverment so that they could dole it out.
Jeff
November 10th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
That was great, can’t wait to see the commercial too, myabe it can be posted here, as we don’t have a TV, that way we can all see….. hey and maybe you could get it posted here first as a sneak preview!!!!!
November 10th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
John
So great that this has finally come to fruition and that the candy has been given to charities around PA.
Cindy B, you are correct in saying that you are proud to be part of a wonderful group of people. John has brought so many people like us together with his laughter and caring thoughts that I feel as though we are all family.
Eva
November 10th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I guess you can’t win. . .you give the candy to charity and people complain you should have sent it to the troops. You will never make everyone happy but I don’t know how you keep such a positive attitude when you always have people criticizing.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
John:
Congrats on the completion of this record breaking event!!
Loved the video!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
November 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Hey John,
It might not be a Guinness record, but what about something similar in New Orleans, perhaps for the Blogger’s cruise?
Perhaps a Mardi Gras float thingy and you wouldn’t have to break it open – trinkets and such are thrown from the float, so people could be kept at a sane and safe distance. Just fling the candy (or whatever) in all directions some distance from the float thingy. Everyone would have equal chance.
Also the New Orleans police are very good at crowd control since they have to do it for real every Mardi Gras.
What say ye?
November 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hi John!
So Paris finally gave up the goods, huh? Great video. Lot of candy there. Congrats on getting it accomplished and even more so for the wonderful organizations who will benefit.
Thanks for posting the video and keeping us informed.
Take care and good luck!
David
November 10th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
John–Honest, were there any sugar free jelly beans in there? Now I want chocolate, but better it should go to charity than to my hips!
November 10th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
WOW!!!!!
Can’t wait to see the commercials!
November 10th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
my 5 year old loved watching this!
November 11th, 2008 at 6:50 am
John,
I was wondering, with gastric bypass on the rise is carnival considering a bariatric menu for these people?
Thanks for your time
November 11th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
John
Per my earlier email we are returning for thanksgiving with our children and grandchildren. I had written to you asking to make sure we have a real crib for our grandson, and you asked to be reminded two weeks in advance or so. Our kids Bruce & Lynne Nagel will be in cabins 8204 and thier kids Abigail 3 and 3/4, and Michael age 1+ will be in 8208 with the baby. Can you confirm that we just wait to order the crib on board or can we reserve one. We are in 9205, with our Daughter Deborah.
Thanks Again
Arlene and Roger Nagel
From: SPLENDOR CRUISE DIRECTOR
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 1:23 PM
To: Leavitt, Stephanie (CCL)
Subject: RE: From the blog
Hello Roger
I am sorry that you had to endure the awful sight of me with bells palsy…..I am ugly enough as it is without having a patch over my eye and a face like Quasimodo’s. I am excited to hear that you and the family will be sailing again with us and yes………I can confirm we will have a Cot ( crib ) ready for you once onboard. May I kindly ask that you remind me via the blog thingy a week or so before sailing.
Thanks for all the kind words
Cheers
John
ohn
My wife and I sailed with you last march on spring break. You developed bells Palsey on the cruise second day, and carried on like a trooper. We loved the ship, the cruise and you.
We are bringing our kids and grand kids as well as friends on the ship November 22nd sailing from Ft Lauderdale. Our grandson Michael will be just over one year old and our agent says you ( the ship) can provide a crib not port-a-crib for him, but that we don’t reserve it we just ask when we get on board the ship. Our kids will be in cabins 8204 and 8208 with the baby. Can you confirm that we just wait to order the crib on board or can we reserve one. We are in 9205.
The trip includes thanksgiving and we expect lots of families with kids so we are concerned.
We hope to see you and enjoy the ship again this time sharing with our friends and family
Hope you are over the bells palsey, sorry about the st petersburg reception. its why I don’t go there. please reply if you can with advice
Best regards
Arlene and Roger Nagel
Rnagel@lehigh.edu
November 11th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I can’t wait to see it too. I would have been there just to stand in the background!
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