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
Glimpses of Life in Brazil in 15 Fascinating Pictures
Let’s take a peek at life in Brazil with these fascinating pictures.
Billionaire Chuck Feeney Has Met His Goal of Going Broke!
Chuck Feeney is a philanthropist and no longer a billionaire, giving away $8 billion before closing his charitable foundation in September
A Dusty Car Window Is a Canvas For Some People
When some artists spot a dirty car window they take it as an opportunity...
Why is Caviar So Expensive?
Discover the unappealing reason that makes caviar so pricey and luxurious...
Some Car Owners Come Up With Really Bizarre Designs!
These weird car modifications have gone a bit too far, but it's hilarious!
You Feel like Royalty Inside These 10 Exotic Trains
Hop aboard some of the most luxurious train rides of the world in this video.
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.
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
This Triple Spiral Domino Is Driving the Internet WILD!
Hevesh5 is a professional domino artist that is tearing the internet apart with this amazing display! I have never seen anything like this!
Why You Might Want to Consider Switching to a Futon Bed
In this article, we will learn what a real futon bed is and if it is better for spine health than a western bed.
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
'What a Wonderful World' Like You've Never Heard Before!
Listen to this hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song “What a Wonderful World”.
Who Said You Can't Train Cats?
Suki the cat is getting some agility training. If you thought cats cannot be trained, this is documented proof that notion is false. You just need to give them the right motivation, or in other words - use food...
You'll Need a Second Look For THESE Photos...
These fascinating photo illusions will make you believe like you're seeing one thing, but they actually depict something very different
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
Can The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript Ever be Cracked?
This is the world's most mysterious book, written by an unknown author in a singular alphabet and illustrated with puzzling images. What is its secret?
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
Wow! Look at the Size of These Massive Fruits & Veggies!
These massive fruits and vegetables could feed you for an entire year!
This Magical Shadow Dance Show Will Leave You in Tears
The most beautiful shadow dance performance.
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
The Many Ways Companies Try to Avoid Age Discrimination Claims
Companies who are looking to ditch their older employees can be creative in the ways they do so in order to avoid discrimination claims. Here's how...
Historical Window: Looking at Women Workers in WWI
Women made a significant contribution to the Allied effort during both World Wars. Take a look as these fascinating photos of women at work during WWI.
Dancing With Dogs is So Much Better Than Regular Dancing...
These top contestants will wiggle, jump and roll their way into your hearts!
An Unforgettable a Cappella Rendition of 'Stand By Me'
Enjoy this unforgettable rendition of the timeless song "Stand By Me" by the Buzztones, a UK-based a cappella group.
Incredible Photos of Veterans from the Napoleonic Wars
Take a look at these incredible and only photos of veterans during the Napoleonic war.
This Is What $300,000 Will Buy In 15 Different Countries
If you dream of living overseas, you should know your dream is more attainable than you think. This is what $300,000 would buy you in 15 different countries.
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
History: When Napoleon Was Defeated By an Army of Bunnies
The greatest defeat of Napoleon wasn't Waterloo... It was against a bunch of bunnies.
22 Facts That Will Change What You Think You Know
From Facebook to Winston Churchill, these 22 surprising facts are very interesting.
From the Photo Albums of Very Famous People...
See how celebrities looked in their youth, in photos from their everyday life before fame.
I Just Wanted to Let You Know: I'm Thinking of You
Is there anyone in your life whom you're thinking of deeply right now? Send them a little greeting to let them know.
98-Year-Old Gives a Brilliant Live Piano Performance!
American Singer Josh Turner's very talented grandmother-in-law gets a standing ovation for playing "How Great Thou Art" on the Piano.
These Native American Achievements Are Truly Outstanding!
Read all about ten of the greatest achievements that the Native Americans made before the arrival of Europeans
Watching These Tigers Released Is a Powerful Experience
Watching these powerful, royal tigers given their freedom again is a magnificent experience, one that reminds us of the power and majesty of these animals.
The Extraordinary Lives of the Oldest Record Breakers
From marathoners and skydivers to body-builders and pianists, here are some of the world’s oldest record-breakers.
These Foreign Laws Are Simply Too Weird For Words...
Discover 8 of the weirdest prohibitions from around the world that are bound to make you chuckle!
12 Accurate Facts That Sounds TOO Weird to Believe
With authentic facts like these, who needs fiction?
This Amazing Maze Has Taken the Internet By Storm!
Watch this intriguing video which features a maze of marbles and magnets.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
13 Insightful & Thoughtful Quotes by John F. Kennedy
In this article, we will explore some of the best quotes by John F. Kennedy, which reveal the depth of his wisdom and his dedication to public service.
This Video is a Must for All History Buffs!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
10 of the Most Spectacular Royal Crowns in the World
Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Here are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras.
This May Be the Most Amazing Watch Ever Created...
Luxury watch makers Van Cleef & Arpels have created this dazzling creation, showing the planets and our sun while a small comet moves along a track to tell us the time.
INTERACTIVE: The Musings of Philosophers Through the Ages
The great thinkers have imbued the world with greater knowledge and different perspectives. Learn about what the wisest men in history had to say.