Blood/Platelet Donors in March, April get chance to win weekend for two

(Monday, Feb. 20, 2006) ATLANTA - The American Red Cross will kick off Red Cross Month by giving all blood and platelet donors in March and April a chance to get away…to Miami. Everyone who comes to donate blood or platelets March 1-April 30 can enter a drawing to win two roundtrip Delta Air Lines tickets and a weekend stay for two at the Trump International Beach Resort. The winner will also get gift certificates for dining at a few popular Miami restaurants: Mendoza, Gordon Biersch, and Bubba Gump.

“The Red Cross is excited to partner with Delta Air Lines, the Trump International Beach Resort and other generous sponsors to make this impressive travel opportunity possible for our blood donors,” said Randy Edwards, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern Region. “Blood donors are some of the most generous people who give so freely of themselves and expect nothing in return. It feels good to express appreciation for the lives they save by offering them a chance at this fabulous trip.”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt started Red Cross Month in March 1943 during World War II. In keeping with Roosevelt’s tradition, the president and other elected officials throughout the country issue proclamations for a month-long observance of the critical role the Red Cross plays to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.

Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Southern Region, one of 35 American Red Cross Blood Services regions throughout the country, provides lifesaving blood to patients in 140 hospitals. To meet the needs of hospital patients in the region, the Red Cross must collect approximately 1,200 units of blood a day. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and provide proof of identification.  Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or log on to www.givebloodredcross.org to schedule a blood donation appointment or to sponsor a blood drive at your job, school, place of worship or other appropriate location.

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