SUMMER BLOOD CHALLENGE HEATS UP AGAIN ON THE PENINSULA
Events held May 11 and 14 to kick off competition to save lives
NEWARK, DE - The 7th annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC) kicks off on Tuesday, May 26 and continues through Saturday, September 5. The Challenge is a competition among local employers to recruit the most Blood Bank members and donors during the summer months when fewer people typically give blood.
"The theme 'Summertime and the Giving is Easy' sets the tone that despite the current tough economic times, giving blood is still a great way to give back this summer. You can save lives and it won't cost you a dime," said Carrie Aiken, spokesperson for Blood Bank of Delmarva.
SBC participants will earn chances to win exciting prizes, including (4) $50 VISA gift cards awarded weekly throughout the Challenge, a $500 VISA gift card, and an all-inclusive dream vacation for two to Edenh Real Arena & Resort in Punta Cana.
Two SBC kick-off events will be held for representatives from each participating employer to learn more about the competition and hear from local blood recipients about the importance of blood donations. One event will be at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE on Monday, May 11 and the other will be at Brew River in Salisbury, MD on Thursday, May 14. Both events are from 5pm - 7pm.
Last year, employees in the Summer Blood Challenge contributed a total of 5,896 blood donations and 2,360 new Blood Bank members.
How employers earn points
- Become a Blood Bank member - ONE POINT
- Give blood - ONE OR TWO POINTS*
*Points vary based on type of donation.
- Sign up for 5K Walk/Run - ONE POINT
- Young Blood (ages 35 and under) - TWO POINTS
(Younger donors are needed to ensure the future blood supply.)
How to get involved
Employers that would like to be involved in the 2009 Summer Blood Challenge should contact Lisa Gravely, Blood Bank Marketing Manager, at (302) 737-8405 ext. 887 or lgravely@bbd.org. To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or click here.
There are four convenient donor centers:
- Newark (across from Christiana Hospital)
- Wilmington (913 North Market Street)
- Dover (221 Saulsbury Road)
- Salisbury (1309 Mt. Hermon Road)
There are also 29 mobile sites across Delmarva. For that schedule, click here.
