A Brazilian businessman once made an announcement on social media that he had taken inspiration from the ancient Egyptian pharaohs and would be burying his prized possession, a $380,000 Bentley luxury car, in preparation for his eventual journey into the afterlife.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this bizarre story saw the media turning up en masse at a press conference held in the Sao Paulo garden of 62-year-old Count Scarpa, who had previously been pictured at the controls of an excavator digging a grave for his expensive car’s ritual burial.
The initial announcement of Count Scarpa’s burial provoked outrage both in impoverished Brazil, and the wider world. After all, how could someone so rich be so irresponsible with nearly $400,000 that could have otherwise been given to charitable causes?
Although the attendees were expecting the subject matter of the press conference to concern the whims of an eccentric businessman, little did they know that it would actually concern something entirely different. The outrage was actually something that Count Scarpa sought to foster in the first place, but his true intentions didn’t become apparent until the very last minute – the whole thing was a publicity stunt.
“As you can all see,” he said to the assembled journalists and cameramen, “I didn’t bury my car, but everyone thought it absurd when I said I would. What’s truly absurd is burying your organs, which can save many lives. Nothing is more valuable. Become a donor and tell your family members to do so as well.”
With that announcement, the Count Scarpa heralded the launch of National Organ Donation Week. This brilliant piece of marketing, conceived by Leo Burnett Tailor Made, caused so much buzz that the story made its way around the world, perhaps most notably appearing in the British daily newspapers.
What’s even more remarkable is that the campaign genuinely appeared to make an impact on the amount of people signing up to become donors, with the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation releasing statistics showing an upward trend in its aftermath.
When the campaign was launched in 2013, the amount of registered Brazilian organ donors stood at 12.6 individuals per million citizens. When the Associations’ statistics were last issued in 2015, the figure stood at 14.2 per million.
There are over 30,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in Brazil at any one time.
Content and Image Source: Daily Mail
Snake Island: The Most Dangerous Spot on Earth
Learn the story of Snake Island, home to some of the rarest and most venomous snakes on earth, which was declared too dangerous for humans to visit
Can You Guess How Much These Luxury Properties Cost?
Take a brief tour of the lavish homes of America's billionaires.
Some Car Owners Come Up With Really Bizarre Designs!
These weird car modifications have gone a bit too far, but it's hilarious!
The World’s 8 Most Amazing and Unique Flying Cars
Check out some of the most amazing and unique flying cars that have actually existed.
Unusual Vehicles: A Bicycle That’s Shaped Like a Car?
Take a ride on the PodRide E-Bike - a bicycle shaped like a CAR!
A Dusty Car Window Is a Canvas For Some People
When some artists spot a dirty car window they take it as an opportunity...
You Will Not Look At These 6 Historical Figures The Same
The rumors and myths of these historical figures are already considered facts. The truth, however, is completely different.
Men vs. Women: What Does the Science Say?
10 studies and articles that dive into the real differences between the sexes, asking the meaningful questions and looking at real data.
She Will Never Forget Her Marriage Proposal. Ever.
This is a Marriage Proposal For the Books...
Grandma Gets Asked a Question and Has a Perfect Response
When I asked grandma what she thought of events in recent years, I found her answer intriguing. It made me realize how much things have changed...
Full Documentary: Genghis Khan's Legendary Mongol Empire
Learn all about his incredible conquests of the legendary Genghis Khan this cinematic full-length documentary.
Dance Styles in the 1920 Were So Much FUN!
Enjoy this delightful clip from the movie ‘Don't Knock the Rock’, which shows some groove dance moves from the 1920s.
12 Typical American Things That Didn’t Originate in the US
Many things we often think are typically American, such as cowboys, comic strips and mac & cheese, have actually started far away from the USA
These Female Celebs Have Aged Like Fine Wine (28 Pics)
These female celebrities are aging just like fine wine.
The 1900s Had Some STRANGE Predictions About Today...
People from the past centuries have made some very bizarre predictions of the 21st century, even famous scientists and writers got things completely wrong!
Marcus Aurelius: The Emperor Turned Philosopher
This video will tell the Story of Marcus Aurelius, the emperor who turned into one of the greatest philosophers in history.
These 24 Fascinating Photographs Will Surprise & Amaze You
Here are 24 of the most amazing and surprising photographs ever seen on the internet!
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
Which of These Old Bathroom Features Do You Want Back?
These old bathroom trends have disappeared over time.
Panama Canal: Engineering Miracle with a Shocking History
You may not know it but the Panama Canal is one of the 20th century's greatest achievements. When you read its incredible history you will understand why.
According to the CIA, This Is How Disguises REALLY Work
Ever wondered how spies and intelligence agencies manage to make their disguises look so utterly convincing? Find out here.
9 Times the Future Was Predicted With Surprising Accuracy!
These 9 historical events were predicted with extreme accuracy, and here is who managed to forecast them...
10 Richest People From History You Should Know About
A look at 10 of the richest people that lived in history. From emperor Mansa Musa to Muammar Gaddafi, it presents the insane sums these people had.
Travel Back in Time With These Rare Moments From History...
Some photos date as far back as to the early 20th Century, with a few prototype designs that would eventually pave the way for the technology we use today. Take a stroll down memory lane with these Rare moments.
Museum of the Weird: 15 Fascinating Finds
Historical artifacts don't get weirder than this.
8 Books That Predicted the Future With Strange Accuracy
It always feels eerie when the future is predicted correctly and it turns out literature is full of such accurate forecasts. These 8 novels were particularly spot on.
12 Genius Ancient Chinese Inventions We Use to This Today
In this article, we'll focus on 12 surprising everyday items we all use that got their start many centuries ago in Ancient China...
If You Like History You Will LOVE This Incredible Video!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
8 Weird and Wacky Failed Inventions from the Past
Here is a look at some weird and wacky inventions from the past that never quite took off despite their innovativeness.
Early 1900s America Captured in Charming Vintage Photos
These vintage photos capture early 20th-century life in America.
Your Cat Isn't Weird, It's Just Trying to Say Something
Many cat behaviors have human equivalents, however we often have problems interpreting them. Thanks to this handy guide, you will not anymore!
The Encyclopedia Won’t Tell You These Unique Facts
Here are 12 unique and curious facts about the world that will definitely surprise you.
13 of Napoleon Bonaparte's Most Famous Quotes
In this post, you'll find 13 of the French Emperor's most famous quotes, as well as more biographical information about the famous conqueror as you scroll down.
10 Fascinating Facts About Mark Twain’s Life
Without a doubt, there are many things we can admire in Mark Twain & learn from his life. Here are 10 fascinating facts from his biography you likely didn’t know
10 Food Products You Should Never Freeze
Take note of this list of food products that should be kept far away from the freezer.
WATCH: Old Hollywood Legends Bring 'Uptown Funk' to Life
These vintage stars grooving to 'Uptown Funk' will make your day.
Son of a Terrorist Speaks: Why I Choose Peace
The son of a famous terrorist, Zak Ebrahim's story is shocking and surprising.
This Hilarious Song Perfectly Sums Up My "Efficient" Memory
This hilarious song perfectly sums up or senior moments.
A Day in the Life of an Ancient Egyptian Doctor...
This video will show you what it was like to be a doctor in ancient Egypt.
Send Christmas Wishes to Your Friends This Festive Season
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Send this video to your closest and dearest friends to let them know that you're thinking of them.
18 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Medieval Times
Watch Medieval Literature Dr. Dorsey Armstrong answer all the important questions related to the Middle Ages.
14 Senior Graduates Prove It’s Never Too Late To Learn
Here are 14 inspiring examples of people who pursued education and knowledge in their senior years.
Learn the History Behind These Commonly Used Phrases
Do you know the origins of these 10 phrases?
18 Moments of History that Shed Light On Different Times
These 18 photos open a world of yesteryear for us to explore and enjoy.
News That Inspires: Positive Stories From Around the World
There are so many good things happening in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring news updates to brighten your day.
This Project Gets Thousands of Disabled Children Mobile Again
This project may give thousands of physically impaired children the ability to move around again.
These Archaeological Finds Reveal Incredible Stories
These latest excavations and fascinating finds will fascinate you.