Maybe the idea for imaginative publicity activities came from MD's predecessors at Hughes Helicopters!
In 1984, Hughes offered the LA Olympics organising committee the use of a number of shiny new 500Es for transport duties as they saw fit. The committee took them up on the offer and the 500E became the official helicopter of the L.A. Olympic Games.
Previously, in 1978, Hughes supplied a 500D and pilot for this little job!
500 Fan.