RED CROSS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF MIAMI WEEKEND SWEEPSTAKES (Monday, June 13, 2005) ATLANTA – The American Red Cross recently announced the winners of their Miami Weekend Sweepstakes. From April 1 to May 27, 2005, all blood and platelet drive participants with the American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern Region were able to enter to win a trip for two to Miami. Lauren Williamson, Albany, Georgia and Eric Harlan, Savannah, Georgia, are the two lucky winners. Williamson and Harlan will each receive two Delta Air Lines tickets and a weekend stay for two at The Palms South Beach. The trip also includes breakfast and lunch for two at The Palms South Beach, as well as one dinner for two, compliments of The Forge Restaurant or Jungle Queen Dinner Cruise. Lauren Williamson (left) started donating whole blood in high school. Even though Williamson first heard about donating platelets years ago after a sister’s classmate was diagnosed with leukemia, she just recently decided to give it a try. After seeing a high school age student giving platelets she thought that if he could do it, so could she. “My philosophy is that so much of life is out of control and there’s very little we can do about it,” said Williamson. “Giving blood and platelets is one of the few ways we can help people recover from tragedies. Who knows? Any one of us might need that blood tomorrow.” Williamson will be presented with a certificate and beach kit on Wednesday, June 15, at 3 p.m. at the Red Cross Albany Donor Center, 1515 Dawson Road, Albany, GA 31707. Eric Harlan (right) has donated whole blood 38 times and is part of the Red Cross VIP program, committing to donating three to six times each year . Since Harlan has a healthy fear of needles, he was the last person who thought he would ever become a regular blood donor, but seven years ago his wife helped change all of that. When Harlan’s wife was faced with breast cancer, he learned first hand how blood helps save lives. “Seeing the willingness of donors and experiencing the compassion of the Red Cross inspired me to overcome my fears and become a Red Cross donor,” said Harlan. “My wife and I will always be indebted to the Red Cross and supportive of their work.” Harlan will be presented with his certificate and beach kit on Wednesday, June 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Savannah Donor Center, 25 Tibet Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406. Most healthy people age 17 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood every 56 days or platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times each year. The American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern Region needs at least 1,200 people to donate blood each weekday to meet the needs of hospital patients. For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or log on to www.givebloodredcross.org.