Upon hearing Christopher’s idea, Mike burst into laughter, fully embracing the concept. The duo decided to pool their resources for a joint birthday gift that came with a $2,000 price tag.
The billboard they commissioned showcased a picture of their dad against a black background, adorned with the words, “WISH MY DAD HAPPY BIRTHDAY – Love, Your Sons,” in prominent white letters. To add a humorous twist, their father’s phone number was boldly printed at the bottom, ensuring maximum visibility to passersby.
Chris and Mike eagerly anticipated the outcome as their dad’s birthday approached, referring to their creation as “the ultimate prank,” as stated by Christopher Ferry to the NY Times.
On the morning of March 16, 2019, Chris Ferry found himself inundated with numerous phone calls and text messages from well-wishers around the world. Puzzled by the sudden influx of greetings, many from places as far-reaching as Africa and Europe, Chris decided to investigate the source of this unexpected celebration.
Curiosity led him to inquire with one caller about how they knew it was his birthday, only to learn that the information was displayed on a billboard. Intrigued, Chris ventured out to the billboard, capturing the moment with a selfie in front of the amusing display. The hilariously orchestrated birthday prank orchestrated by the two sons quickly went viral, with Chris receiving over 20,000 calls and texts, as reported by the NY Times