RED CROSS ANNOUNCES THE WINNER THE LUXURY GETAWAY TO ATLANTA

(Wednesday, June 22, 2005) ATLANTA – During the Memorial Day weekend all blood and platelet drive participants with the American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern Region were eligible to enter to win a luxury getaway for two to Atlanta. Jennifer Asaro, Macon, Georgia, is the lucky winner. Asaro will receive a fantastic package, which will include two tickets to a Broadway in Atlanta 2005-2006 Season show, two nights at the Four Seasons Atlanta, two half-day packages at Spa Sydell, a $200 gift certificate from Fifth Group Restaurants, and a three course dinner with wine at Veni Vidi Vici (part of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group).

Jennifer Asaro was donating blood for the first time. She decided to donate blood because she heard that blood levels are critically low during the summer and when considering the impact that this shortage could have on accident victims, decided to do her part. “You never know when you or someone close to you may need blood in an emergency or for some other medical condition. It is one of the things that you can do for your community that truly saves lives,” said Asaro. Several years ago, Asaro’s husband received blood after a motorcycle accident. On Monday, June 27, at 2 p.m., Asaro will be presented with her certificates at the Red Cross Macon Donor Center, 3755 Bloomfield Road, Suite 12A Macon, GA 31206.

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.