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June 19, 2013

Vampire Diaries' cross promotion could inspire more TV charities

by Danny Gallagher, posted Aug 26th 2009 6:31PM

The Vampire Diaries new cross-promotional ad with the American Red Cross
Cross promotions are not a new concept to TV heads, but this one cooked up by the folks behind the CW's Vampire Diaries deserves a Peabody Award. As Brad mentioned earlier today, The Vampire Diaries is being cross-promoted with the American Red Cross in which the show is hosting its own blood drive.

What a great idea and a great cause! Just think of the other charitable promotions this will inspire other shows to tackle.

  • The folks from Top Gear could pick up where "Cash for Clunkers" left off with a "Crash for Clunkers," in which viewers donate their old vehicles to be destroyed on the show. American cars immediately jump to the front of the line.
  • Showtime, in association with Dexter, starts a "Knives for Guns" program.
  • Two and a Half Men's Charlie Sheen teams up with Goodwill to clothe the world's poor with his warehouse of used bowling shirts.
  • The producers of Jon and Kate Plus 8 make a pact with Amnesty International to ensure the safety and mental well-being of children everywhere by making sure that Jon and Kate Gosselin never become parents again.
  • The folks behind MTV's Jackass sponsor an initiative to increase literacy.
  • American Idol makes a sizable donation to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.
  • The producers of Oxygen's Dance Your Ass Off start a charity that treats people suffering from "Detached Ass Syndrome".
  • The people behind Friday Night Lights fund a charity to help athletes dealing with injuries, financial hardships and other tragedies caused by participating in the XFL.
  • The creators of The Hills start the world's first "Douchebag Rehabilitation Center."

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5 Comments

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alec

actually, that's kinda cool.

August 29 2009 at 3:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Daune Calovini

It's cute. But, I'm not inspired to give blood. Mainly, I just think... Oh, my Ian...

August 27 2009 at 3:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
C.A.

While I heavily believe people should donate blood, this promotion is actually just a trick from vampires. They send their minions to blood banks all the time just to have a reserve supply. So you won't be starving any vampires at all, you'll be helping them (along with a lot of actual humans too).

August 27 2009 at 8:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CMG

This is not novel in any way. I vividly remember "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" blood donation PSAs... I'm fairly certain it was while the show was on UPN, and I believe it was right after 9/11. I think there was at least one with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and one with Nicholas Brendon.

Additionally, fans of Angel also held "Save Angel" blood drives after the show was canceled by The WB.

August 26 2009 at 7:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to CMG's comment
joy

Agreed. Sad little Moonlight did a blood drive at last year's NY Comic Con.

However, one can't argue that it's all for a good cause. So, yay for them trying.

August 27 2009 at 10:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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