50 thousand in cash giveaway
I was the first person to do this bit. Since, it’s been done all across the country - but, I was the first. I gave away 50 thousand in cash. This was just about 20 years ago. I came on the air and announced that sometime during my show that day - I would award someone 50 thousand in cash. The phones lit up immediately. "What?" "Yep, 50 thousand in cash!" My audience was #1 in the market. These people called everyone they knew. That day. hundreds of thousands of people were tuned into Bri - with phone in hand - waiting for the cue to call and win 50 thousand in cash. I strung it out for a couple of hours. "Your chance to win 50 thousand in cash could come at any minute!" People called and insisted I’m surely trying to pull a fast one. "Yes, I will really give a caller 50 thousand in cash!" The time came! "I’ll take the 97th caller (B97) - to win 50 thousand in cash right now! It took about 5 minutes to answer all the calls. I come to #97. "Hi, Brian Pierce, B97 - you are the 97th caller and have just won 50 thousand in cash!!!!!" "Woooooo Hooooooo - Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God!!!!!!!!" "Who’s this?" "Brian, this is Larry! I can’t believe it. I’ve been listening for a couple of hours. This is the greatest thing!!!!" "Believe it Larry!!!" At this point I’d brought in Scott Walker to be my game show announcer. "Scott, Tell Larry what cash we’re using today!" "Right Brian, Todays cash is Italian Lire!!!!" I kill the music and applause to get Larrys reaction. "Uhhhh - Uhhhhh, how much is that in American money?" We shout in unison, "38 DOLLARS 25 CENTS!!!"
I’d seen a new currency conversion chart that morning, and decided to exploit it. I never ever even once, said dollars. I felt bad for Larry, he realized he’d been had - I gave the receptionist a check for $38.25 - and told Larry to come by and collect his windfall. I’ve told this story more than once, and I bet Larry has told it a thousand times.
