SUMMER BLOOD DONATION COMPETITION BREAKS RECORD
Top lifesaving employers in Summer Blood Challenge to be honored in September ceremonies
Newark, DE - A record number of businesses and organizations signed on to save lives in the 8th Annual Summer Blood Challenge (SBC), and they provided more blood donations than ever before. Their efforts saved the lives of up to 21,000 local patients this summer.
The SBC, which started on May 24, is a competition among employers to recruit the most Blood Bank members and donors during the summer. It helps raise awareness of the need for blood at a time when vacations and outdoor activities often contribute to shortages in many areas of the country.
This year, there were 171 local employers participating in the SBC, which resulted in 7,150 blood donations and 1,980 new Blood Bank members. That's a blood donation increase of 17% over last year's competition. Each pint of donated blood could save up to three lives.
"We are so appreciative of the thousands of people who took time out of their busy schedules to donate blood," said Robert L. Travis, President and CEO of Blood Bank of Delmarva. "Blood usage is high during the summer and auto accidents are one of the biggest reasons. With the support we received, we avoided critical shortages that affected many areas of the country."
Recognizing the Top Lifesaving Employers on Delmarva
The top lifesaving employers in the SBC will be recognized at separate Awards Parties in Newark, DE and Salisbury, MD.
The Newark event will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 6pm to 8pm at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana (100 Continental Drive). Rebecca Crosen, former Mrs. Delaware International, will be the featured speaker. Rebecca was diagnosed with a near-fatal case of anemia several years ago and has needed emergency blood transfusions over the years to balance her severe iron deficiency. Michael Waite of WJBR will be the Awards Party emcee.
The Salisbury event will be on Wednesday, September 22 from 12pm to 1:30pm at The Fountains Wedding & Conference Center (1800 Sweetbay Drive).
In addition to recognizing the participating SBC employers and top blood donors, four participants were randomly selected as finalists in the Grand Prize Giveaway and invited to the awards parties to find out what they won. Prizes include a Fusion Fitness Gift Pack, a $500 VISA gift card, a 4-day trip for two to Las Vegas and an all-inclusive week vacation for two to a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico.
