What was Hands Across America?

Hands Across America was a public fundraising event held on Sunday, May 25, 1986, during Memorial Day weekend. Its primary goal was to create a continuous human chain of people holding hands across the contiguous United States to raise funds and awareness for hunger and homelessness.

When did Hands Across America take place?

Hands Across America took place on Sunday, May 25, 1986, which was part of the Memorial Day weekend.

What was the primary objective of Hands Across America?

The primary objective was to create a continuous human chain across the contiguous United States to raise funds and awareness for hunger and homelessness.

Approximately how many people participated in Hands Across America?

Approximately 5.5 million people participated in Hands Across America.

What was the total amount raised by Hands Across America after accounting for operating costs?

The event raised about $15 million for charities after operating costs were deducted.

Who was the main organizer behind Hands Across America?

Ken Kragen, a co-founder of USA for Africa, was the primary organizer and promoter of Hands Across America.

What issue was Hands Across America intended to address within the United States?

Hands Across America was focused on addressing hunger and homelessness within the United States.

What was the connection between Hands Across America and the charity "USA for Africa"?

Hands Across America was organized by Ken Kragen, who was a co-founder of USA for Africa, the same charity organization that produced the song "We Are the World." Kragen described Hands Across America as a "logical extension" of that effort.

Which major corporation provided significant sponsorship for Hands Across America?

Coca-Cola was a major sponsor, agreeing to cover an estimated $18.8 million in operating costs for the event.

Was there a previous event with the same name, and if so, what was its outcome?

Yes, there was a previous, unsuccessful project named Hands Across America that attempted to organize a human chain across the country for the 1976 Bicentennial. That earlier plan failed to raise sufficient funds and only managed to set up about 8 to 10 miles of chains in the Chicago area.

What was the theme song for Hands Across America, and who performed it?

The theme song was titled "Hands Across America." It featured lead vocals by session singers Joe Cerisano and Sandy Farina, and the band Toto.

How was the music video for the theme song filmed, and what prevented its full airing during the Super Bowl XX halftime show?

The music video was filmed in Taft, California, with dozens of celebrities and hundreds of locals. Michael Jackson intervened at a USA for Africa board meeting, insisting that "We Are the World" should be played instead of the "Hands Across America" song during the Super Bowl XX halftime show.

What was the organizational structure of Hands Across America, as described by Ken Kragen?

Ken Kragen described the organizational structure as similar to pyramid selling, with organizers at state, regional, and local levels responsible for segments of the chain, supported by mile captains and tenth-of-a-mile captains at the lowest levels.

How did organizers attempt to fill gaps in the human chain, particularly in remote areas?

Organizers encouraged people in cities not on the main route to travel to remote areas to fill gaps. They also used ribbons, ropes, or banners to connect participants where there were breaks in the line.

What was the policy regarding participation for those who had not donated $10?

In the days leading up to the event, organizers announced that individuals who had not donated would not be turned away, aiming to encourage broader participation and a more complete chain.

What was the duration of the main Hands Across America human chain event?

The main human chain event lasted for 15 minutes.

Where was the easternmost point of the Hands Across America chain located?

The easternmost point of the chain was at Battery Park in New York City, within view of the Statue of Liberty.

Who was the first participant in the New York City segment of the chain?

The first person in the line at Battery Park was 6-year-old Amy Sherwood.

Which U.S. President participated in Hands Across America, and what controversy surrounded his involvement?

President Ronald Reagan participated in Hands Across America. Controversy arose when he made remarks suggesting hunger was due to a "lack of knowledge" about available resources, which activists criticized as insensitive, especially given his administration's budget cuts to social programs.

How was the human chain connected across the Susquehanna River where pedestrian access was restricted?

Where pedestrians were not permitted on the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, a group of scuba divers connected the chain underneath the surface of the Susquehanna River.

Which state recorded the highest turnout percentage relative to the number of people needed for its segment?

Washington D.C. had the highest turnout percentage at 947.0%, followed by New York at 454.5%.

Which state had the lowest turnout percentage, indicating significant gaps in its segment?

Arizona had the lowest turnout percentage at 30.8%, indicating significant gaps in its segment.

What was the total estimated number of participants across the contiguous United States?

The total number of participants was estimated at 5,442,960.

What was the overall turnout percentage for the entire contiguous United States?

The overall turnout percentage for the contiguous United States was 95.0%.

What was the purpose of "Hands Across Massachusetts" and its relationship to the national event?

"Hands Across Massachusetts" was a four-mile loop through Boston and Cambridge that raised money for local charities or the official Hands Across America fund. It was reportedly the only such event to receive official endorsement from the national organization.

What criticism did Senator Ted Kennedy voice regarding President Reagan's approach to hunger during the "Hands Across Massachusetts" event?

Senator Ted Kennedy criticized President Reagan's approach to the issue of hunger, suggesting it was insufficient.

What was the initial fundraising goal for Hands Across America, and how did the actual amount compare?

Organizers had hoped to raise between $50 million and $100 million. Ken Kragen stated that $10 million would be considered a success, and $20 million an extreme success. The event ultimately raised about $15 million after costs.

What criticism was directed at the distribution of funds raised by Hands Across America?

Charity groups criticized the delay in distributing the funds, noting that by the end of 1986, no money had been distributed, although the organization stated the process of paying bills and selecting charities took months.

How did Hands Across America compare to other large celebrity-sponsored charity events of the mid-1980s?

Hands Across America was one of the last in a series of major celebrity-sponsored charity events in the mid-1980s, following events like Band Aid, Live Aid, and Farm Aid. By this time, public skepticism about the effectiveness of such events was growing.

What is "compassion fatigue," and how was it discussed in relation to Hands Across America?

"Compassion fatigue" refers to a growing skepticism and weariness towards repeated appeals for charitable causes. Bob Geldof, an organizer of Live Aid, used the term, and media outlets frequently cited it when questioning the long-term impact of Hands Across America.

How has Hands Across America been referenced in popular culture, such as in "The Simpsons"?

In "The Simpsons," Homer Simpson recalled watching a television report stating that Hands Across America was a success, "except for large gaps in the western states," while he sat on the couch.

In what way did the film "Us" (2019) draw inspiration from Hands Across America?

Director Jordan Peele was inspired by the "eerie imagery" of Hands Across America commercials. In the film, the event inspires the Tethered to overthrow their oppressors and form their own human chain.

What was the role of Coca-Cola in sponsoring Hands Across America?

Coca-Cola was a primary sponsor and agreed to cover an estimated $18.8 million in operating costs for the event.

What was the estimated cost of operating Hands Across America that Coca-Cola agreed to cover?

Coca-Cola agreed to cover an estimated $18.8 million in operating costs.

How did the event organizers attempt to ensure participation even for those who hadn't paid the $10 donation?

Organizers announced that individuals who had not donated would not be turned away, aiming to encourage broader participation and a more complete chain.

What was the significance of the segment near Old Appleton, Missouri, known as the "American Family Farmer Mile"?

This segment, led by activist Wayne Cryts and sponsored by Monsanto, was designated the "American Family Farmer Mile." It involved distributing 29,000 pounds of food, purchased with grant money from Farm Aid, to struggling farmers who joined the line there.

Which famous musician performed on the line in Amarillo, Texas?

The Forester Sisters performed on the line in Amarillo, Texas.

What was the symbolic bridging of a gap in the Arizona desert using helicopters?

Due to extreme heat concerns, the segment from Tonopah to Ehrenberg, Arizona, was canceled. To symbolically complete the connection, helicopters took off from both towns and met in Vicksburg, Arizona, where a time capsule was buried.

Who participated in the "human energy ribbon" across the Colorado Desert gap in California?

A "human energy ribbon" was stretched across the 100-mile gap in the Colorado Desert. Hundreds of people still turned out in 100-degree heat in Desert Center, joined by the band REO Speedwagon.

What was the nature of the "Hands Across the Big Yard" event at Rahway State Prison?

Approximately 500 inmates at Rahway State Prison staged their own human chain event inside the prison yard, raising money for Hands Across America among themselves.

What was the estimated number of people needed for an unbroken chain across the contiguous United States?

The estimated number of people needed for an unbroken chain was around 5.7 million.

How did the event's timing conflict with the Indianapolis 500?

Hands Across America fell on the same day as the Indianapolis 500, leading to logistical concerns about bringing the route through Indianapolis and potentially affecting turnout due to the race.

What was the role of the "USA for Africa" foundation in the aftermath of Hands Across America?

After the event, the USA for Africa Foundation adopted a lower profile, cut operating costs, and launched a new initiative called "Brands Across America," which encouraged shoppers to send in proof-of-purchase for food products, with manufacturers donating a portion of proceeds to USA for Africa.

What was the "Brands Across America" initiative?

This was a fundraising effort by the USA for Africa Foundation after Hands Across America, where shoppers were encouraged to send in proof-of-purchase for food products, leading manufacturers to donate a portion of their proceeds to the foundation.

How did the event's route incorporate the Statue of Liberty?

The eastern end of the chain was at Battery Park in New York City, within view of the Statue of Liberty.

What was the purpose of the "Boats Across the Allegheny" event in Pittsburgh?

This event involved dozens of watercraft lined up side-by-side across the Allegheny River to connect Fort Duquesne Boulevard to Three Rivers Stadium, augmenting the official human chain.

What was the estimated number of people who joined related, non-national chains?

Organizers estimated that approximately 1.5 million people joined these related, local chains.

What was the peak position of the "Hands Across America" song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart?

The song "Hands Across America" peaked at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What did Ken Kragen consider a "success" and an "extreme success" for the fundraising?

Ken Kragen stated that raising $10 million would be considered a success, and $20 million an extreme success, while $50 million would parallel or surpass the fundraising of "We Are the World."

Hands Across America Wiki: Bridging the Nation: The Hands Across America Story

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Introduction

A Symbol of Unity

Hands Across America was a significant public fundraising event held on May 25, 1986, during the Memorial Day weekend. Its ambitious goal was to form a continuous human chain across the contiguous United States, connecting millions of Americans from coast to coast.

National Scope

The event aimed to raise awareness and funds to combat hunger and homelessness within the United States. While millions participated, the chain experienced numerous breaks, particularly in less populated areas, highlighting the logistical challenges of such a vast undertaking.

Fundraising Impact

Organizers had projected substantial fundraising goals, aiming to parallel the success of similar large-scale charity initiatives. The event ultimately raised approximately $15 million for charities after accounting for operational costs, falling short of initial expectations but still contributing to various causes.

Concept & Promotion

Genesis of the Idea

Spearheaded by Ken Kragen, a co-founder of the "USA for Africa" charity, Hands Across America was conceived as a logical extension of the "We Are the World" initiative. The idea was to shift the focus from international famine relief to domestic issues of hunger and poverty.

Public Launch

The event was formally announced in October 1985, featuring endorsements from prominent figures like Bill Cosby and Kenny Rogers. Major corporations, including Coca-Cola, provided substantial sponsorship, covering significant operating expenses and aiding in widespread marketing efforts.

The Theme Song

A theme song, also titled "Hands Across America," was produced and promoted. Although intended for a prominent feature during the Super Bowl XX halftime show, a last-minute decision led to "We Are the World" being played instead. The song itself achieved moderate success on the music charts.

Organizational Structure

Grassroots Coordination

The organization relied on a hierarchical structure, akin to "pyramid selling," with state, regional, and local organizers responsible for recruiting participants. This decentralized approach aimed to manage the immense logistical task of coordinating a transcontinental event.

Technological Challenges

Assigning participants to specific locations along the route required sophisticated data management. A contractor, Figi's, was employed to process applications and assign places, a considerable technological undertaking for the era, with Ticketmaster offering a simpler, immediate assignment system.

Community Support

Local communities along the route played a crucial role in providing essential resources like transportation, food, and facilities for participants. This community involvement was vital for the event's execution, especially in areas not typically accustomed to hosting large-scale gatherings.

The Event Day

Joining Hands

On May 25, 1986, at 3:00 PM EDT, participants across the nation joined hands for 15 minutes. They sang songs like "We Are the World" and "America the Beautiful," fostering a sense of collective participation and shared purpose.

Political Undertones

The event was not without political commentary. President Reagan's participation was met with criticism from activists who pointed to his administration's budget cuts impacting social programs. Protests occurred, highlighting the complex relationship between charity events and government policy.

Weather and Gaps

Extreme weather conditions, particularly heat in the Southwest, led to the cancellation of several segments of the chain. These cancellations, along with lower-than-expected turnout in remote areas, resulted in significant gaps, preventing a truly unbroken chain.

The Transcontinental Route

Eastern Terminus

The chain commenced at Battery Park in New York City, near the Statue of Liberty, with notable participants including Governor Mario Cuomo and Yoko Ono. Over 200,000 people gathered in New York, significantly exceeding the requirement for that segment.

Western Challenges

The route traversed diverse landscapes, facing significant challenges in sparsely populated regions like the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. Extreme heat led to the cancellation of large sections, with symbolic connections like helicopter meetings used to bridge these gaps.

Celebrity Participation

Numerous celebrities and public figures participated across various states, including Oprah Winfrey in Chicago, President Reagan and Coretta Scott King in Washington D.C., and Cesar Chavez in Los Angeles. Their involvement amplified media attention and public engagement.

Participation Statistics

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of estimated participants versus the number of people needed for each state along the route, illustrating the varying turnout and the extent to which the chain was completed.

State-by-State Analysis

Organizers estimated the total number of participants needed to form an unbroken chain across approximately 4,314 miles. While the total number of participants approached this figure, the distribution was uneven, leading to significant gaps.

State	Miles on route	People needed	Participants	Turnout %
New York	25	33,000	150,000	454.5%
New Jersey	88	116,160	200,000	172.2%
Pennsylvania	298	393,360	571,000	145.2%
Delaware	32	42,240	68,000	161.0%
Maryland	164	216,480	180,000	83.1%
D.C.	20	26,400	250,000	947.0%
Ohio	599	790,680	901,960	114.1%
Indiana	274	361,680	350,000	96.8%
Illinois	333	439,560	500,000	113.8%
Missouri	150	198,000	220,000	111.1%
Kentucky	52	68,640	64,000	93.2%
Tennessee	125	165,000	180,000	109.1%
Arkansas	322	425,040	350,000	82.3%
Texas	621	819,720	620,000	75.6%
New Mexico	373	492,360	238,000	48.3%
Arizona	492	649,440	200,000	30.8%
California	346	462,640	400,000	86.5%
Total	4,314	5,700,600	5,442,960	95.0%

Legacy and Impact

Fundraising Outcomes

The event raised approximately $36.4 million in total pledges, with about $15 million remaining after operational costs. This sum was distributed to charities focused on long-term solutions for hunger and poverty, though the distribution process faced criticism for delays.

"Compassion Fatigue"

Hands Across America occurred during a period of numerous high-profile charity events. Media commentary often raised concerns about "compassion fatigue" among the public, questioning the long-term impact and effectiveness of such large-scale, celebrity-driven initiatives.

Cultural Resonance

The event has since become a cultural touchstone, often referenced in popular media as a symbol of 1980s nostalgia. It has been depicted in television shows and films, sometimes satirically, reflecting its memorable imagery and complex legacy.

Teacher's Corner

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References

Hinckley, David. "Handy idea", New York Daily News, October 23, 1985, page 4.

Billboard Hot 100, Week of May 17, 1986, Billboard, Web.

List of sources for event route

"Hands across Baltimore", Baltimore Sun, May 23, 1986, page B2.

"Activities worth remembering", Dayton Daily News, May 25, 1986, page 1D.

Brown, Joe. "People Magazine expresses interest in city's part in Hands Across America", Fremont News-Messenger, May 20, 1986, front page.

"Hands Across America to share Race Day", Indianapolis News, May 23, 1986, page 14.

Cloyd, Elizabeth. "Hands Across America: 22,000 expected to form Porter County line", Vidette-Messenger of Porter County, May 24, 1986, front page.

"More than 60,000 help link Kentucky's hands", Mayfield Messenger, May 26, 1986, front page.

"State's director predicts full line", The Jackson Sun, May 25, 1986, page 9A.

"Texans join 'Hands'", Longview News-Journal, May 26, 1986, front page.

"Singers joining event", Longview Morning Journal, May 25, 1986, page 1-D.

"Celebrity handholding", Arizona Republic, May 24, 1986, page G13.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hands Across America Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available information. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it may not capture every nuance or be entirely up-to-date.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or sociological analysis. The information provided should be used as a starting point for further research and critical evaluation. Always consult primary sources and academic literature for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Bridging the Nation

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🤝 A Symbol of Unity

🇺🇸 National Scope

💰 Fundraising Impact

Concept & Promotion 💡

🚀 Genesis of the Idea

📣 Public Launch

🎶 The Theme Song

Organizational Structure 🏗️

🌐 Grassroots Coordination

💻 Technological Challenges

🚌 Community Support

The Event Day 🗓️

🔗 Joining Hands

🗣️ Political Undertones

⚠️ Weather and Gaps

The Transcontinental Route 🗺️

📍 Eastern Terminus

🏜️ Western Challenges

⭐ Celebrity Participation

Participation Statistics 📊

🔢 State-by-State Analysis

Legacy and Impact 🏆

📉 Fundraising Outcomes

🤔 "Compassion Fatigue"

🎬 Cultural Resonance

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Symbol of Unity

National Scope

Fundraising Impact

Concept & Promotion

Genesis of the Idea

Public Launch

The Theme Song

Organizational Structure

Grassroots Coordination

Technological Challenges

Community Support

The Event Day

Joining Hands

Political Undertones

Weather and Gaps

The Transcontinental Route

Eastern Terminus

Western Challenges

Celebrity Participation

Participation Statistics

State-by-State Analysis

Legacy and Impact

Fundraising Outcomes

"Compassion Fatigue"

Cultural Resonance

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Considerations