The Homer Senior Citizen Center helped break the Guinness Book of World Records largest hybrid bingo game last Friday morning with more than 1,500 streamers worldwide joining Televeda for a virtual round of bingo.

The game was held to fight against social isolation in senior communities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Televeda is a social network that provides outreach opportunities to vulnerable communities such as nursing homes.

“We had a very successful event, so a big thank you to all the attendees, sponsors, and supporters of the game,” the Televeda World Record Team said in an email to participants. “The goal of this event was not only to set a world record but unite people and bring awareness to senior isolation. The pandemic was hard for everyone, especially our elders. But we also witnessed communities growing stronger and bolder (not just older).”

In the United States, 26 states participated with more than 125 senior centers playing. More than 7,000 bingo cards were printed with more than 2,000 online registrations. While the total number of participants is still being counted, Televeda beat the original record of 1,500 virtual bingo players.

At Homer Senior Citizen Center, nine residents participated in the competition. Homer Senior Citizen Center was the only organization in Alaska to participate.

Reach Sarah Knapp at sarah.knapp@homernews.com.