Camp Sunshine and Life is Good, together with the people of Boston, set a new Guinness World Record on Saturday for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time with 30,128 pumpkins.

And in the process, the event and similar events held simultaneously across the country raised as much as $500,000 for Camp Sunshine, a Casco-based retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The old record of 28,952 lit pumpkins in one place had been held since 2003 by Keene, N.H. That city tried to keep up with its own attempt Saturday, but lit only 24,682 pumpkins.

“We are thrilled,” said Matt Hoidal, executive director of Camp Sunshine and founder of the event in 2003. “It has taken us a few years to break the record, but we knew we could eventually get the job done.”

Life is goodA?®, a Boston clothing company, sponsored the event.

“It was incredible to see so many people come out to help deliver a world record for the City of Boston. Even more important, we are thrilled about raising almost half a million dollars and significant awareness for Camp Sunshine,” said Bert Jacobs, chief executive optimist and co-founder of Life is good. “Today’s event reflects the mission of Life is good. We are committed to having the greatest positive impact we can, particularly on the lives of children who face unfair challenges.”

An estimated 100,000 people poured into the Boston Common to carve pumpkins, listen to music, participate in activities, and enjoy tasty treats like pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup. Many of the attendees came from around New England, and some from around the country, to participate in and witness the record.

Maine-based sponsors of the event include Reny’s, Kittery Trading Post and Downeast Energy.

The festival required assistance from more than 800 Camp Sunshine and Life is goodA?® volunteers who helped set up, execute, and break down the event. Pumpkins, guts, and remains were hauled away to pig farms for use as feed and compost.

The $250,000 generated from the event in Boston and the $250,000 more raised elsewhere by Newland Communities will help Camp Sunshine expand its program and serve more than 300 additional children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.