A local businessman has volunteered to publicly humiliate himself on YouTube to raise money for You Are Not Alone (YANA) Comox Valley.
In what began as an inside joke at a Comox Valley Business Network (CVBN) meeting, local writer Ryan Parton created a mock rap video that’s been alternately described by viewers as “utterly embarrassing,” “impressive” and “undeniable proof that he’s a white boy from rural Manitoba.”
When not laying down fly beats, Parton is a professional copywriter, the owner of Ryan Parton Writing Solutions and a nominee for the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 awards.
Though initially reluctant to share his video beyond the group, Parton eventually agreed to post it to YouTube if $500 is raised for YANA. (A special “rapping copywriter” tag has been designated to track donations.)
Before the day was out, $165 had already been pledged by CVBN members, prompting Parton to raise his target to $1,000.
As of press time, more than $400 had been raised.
“I realized going into the meeting that this video was going to be embarrassing, but I decided it was worth a laugh anyway,” said Parton, whose rhymes apparently poke “faux-gangsta” fun at copywriting, bad spelling and poor media relations. “Then everyone started pressing me to put it online, so I decided I’m willing to take a bruised ego so that families with sick children can be there for their kids.
YANA Comox Valley helps local families who need to travel to access medical treatment for their children.
“We all know Ryan is awesome, but his awesomeness increased exponentially when he broke out his homemade rap video,” said Mackenzie Gartside, a CVBN member and one of only about 25 people who have seen the video.
“The whole time I couldn’t decide if it was the greatest thing ever or the worst thing ever,” added CVBN president Shelly Stanchuk.
“Mackenzie and Shelly have been two of my biggest supporters in this, although I’m not sure they’re motivated by philanthropy or the sheer delight at the thought that this could go viral,” said Parton, who acknowledged that both have already made donations. “Before I was even sure I was ready to do this they’d already created a Rappin’ Ryan Parton Facebook page!”
To ensure Parton’s humiliating rap video hits the web, donate to YANA online through the Rappin’ Ryan Parton Facebook page at www.BCcopywriter.com. Tax receipts will be issued.
Anyone not on Facebook can donate directly at www.yanacomoxvalley.com by typing Rapping Copywriter in the message/instructions field.
To learn more about Parton’s more serious side, visit www.ryanparton.ca.
— Ryan Parton