Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka announced an ambitious, $1 million dollar charity offer for the city of New York to redesign the iconic New Year’s Eve ball.
The bold offer is the latest example of the brand’s ubiquitous presence in New York’s Time Square.
Just the eight days before New Year’s Eve, the company has already decorated the area’s landscape with numerous billboards.
If approved by New York City, Combs and Ciroc would alter the famous ball’s appearance to resemble the well-known blue stone emblem of Ciroc Vodka.
Combs and Ciroc have promised that the full $1 million dollar donation would go to needy charities around the city.
While some would dismiss Comb’s offer as farfetched and a publicity stunt, Combs explained to AllHipHop.com that his track record in executing upscale and lavish parties would ensure that 2008’s New Year’s Eve countdown would be groundbreaking.
“As the ‘Official Vodka of New Year’s Eve,’ it’s only fitting that we take over New York, the most iconic New Year’s city in the world,” Combs explained to AllHipHop.com. “I’m going to give every adult in America a taste of what it’s like to enjoy a sophisticated celebration with Diddy, and what better time than while ringing in the New Year.”
The blue stone image of Ciroc traces back to the “pastel” plant that was once native to the Gaillac region of France.
The dye produced from the plant was commonly used for painting and clothes during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Its distinctive look eventually made the dye a symbol of wealth in the region, and earned it the phrase “Pays de Cocagne,” meaning “the land of plenty.”
For Combs and Ciroc, it is this valued tradition that they expect to bring to 2008’s celebration.
“Having this iconic blue stone sit atop the New York skyline on New Year’s Eve is my way of wishing New York a fruitful New Year,” Combs stated.
In addition to their New Year’s Eve request, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Ciroc Vodka will soon announce an additional campaign focusing on responsible drinking and partying during the holiday season.