Leap day cash giveaway turns into fiasco
New York City ? Even giving away something for free can turn into a hassle in New York.
A video-sharing Web site set out to observe leap day by handing out prizes worth up to $29 on Feb. 29 outside Union Square Park.
As the clock ticked toward the event’s scheduled time – 2:29 p.m. – people shouting “Make it rain!” and “Give me my money!” trampled one another and mobbed the costumed representatives of CashTomato.com.
Some people wrested bags of cash-stuffed envelopes and other items from the CashTomato workers, said Jason Buzi, who identified himself as the company’s senior vice president.
The prize givers weren’t the only ones who were overwhelmed.
“Before I knew it, I was on the floor” and under a pile of people, said Anabel DeJesus, 17. She left without any prize. “It’s not worth it,” she told the Daily News.
Police didn’t have any information Saturday on whether anyone was injured or arrested.