Glendora Resident Aims to Set Guinness World Record

David Parsons wants his name in the Guinness Book of World Records, but he doesn’t want just bragging rights.

Instead, Parsons is hoping his record will raise $100,000 for GRANTS WISHES, Inc., a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children battling cancer relapse.

To do so, the Glendora resident and 2009 Azusa Pacific University graduate must break the world record for the most hugs given in a single day. That’s 10,000 hugs all on National Hug Day, Jan. 21.

Parsons' goal was inspired by his friend Sharon Perkins, a 2008 APU graduate, who lost her battle with cancer two years ago. Her death motivated Parson to carry on her legacy with the belief that people can change the world, one hug at a time.

To accomplish his goal, Parsons will need people to make a pledge for a hug and show up in person to receive their hug from Parson. The event begins 11 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, and ends at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21 at the ESPN Zone L.A. Live, located across the street from the Staples Center, at 1011 S. Figueroa St., in Los Angeles.

To make a pledge or for more information, visit www.Hug4Wishes.org or Facebook.com/Hug4Wishes.