VH1 Classic Seeks Max Katrina Relief

VH1 Classic is teaming up with pop-culture artist Peter Max on “Pay to Play for Hurricane Katrina Relief,” the network said Monday.

Viewers can go to the network’s Web site (www.vh1classic.com) and make financial donations to Mercy Corps. In return, they can request that their favorite classic-rock, pop and rhythm-and-blues music videos be played on the network starting Saturday, Oct. 15.

The network and Max devised a “scale of support” based on the amount of money donated:

• For every $25 donation, a viewer can request one video to be played on VH1 Classic. Donors will be notified by e-mail when their video request will be played.

• For a $200 donation, a viewer can request eight separate videos and receive a Peter Max limited-edition poster specific to hurricane relief, autographed by Max.

• For a $35,000 donation, Max will paint the donor’s very own portrait, and they will get to program VH1 Classic for one hour.

“Although the nation has made tremendous contributions to families devastated by Hurricane Katrina, there’s still so much more that needs to be done,” VH1 Classic senior vice president and general manager Eric Sherman said in a prepared statement. “Our ‘pay to play’ video-thon and Peter Max's renowned talents and initiative will allow VH1 Classic viewers to creatively and easily contribute to Mercy Corps' rebuilding efforts now.”